Specimen Requirement

Vaginal swab using the Xpert Swab Collection Kit.

Note: The specimen must be collected at a healthcare facility where instructions are available to explain procedures and precautions. Swabs collected at home are not acceptable. 

Swabs specimens can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated (2-28°C). Do not freeze specimens. Transport to the lab as soon as possible after collection. Swabs are stable for 42 days at 2-28°C.

Specimen Collection Instructions

1. Obtain an Xpert Swab Collection Kit. (Pink cap)
2. Open the package that contains the pink-capped Xpert swab transport tube reagent and inidividually wrapped collection swab. Set the tube aside before beginning to collect the sample. Discard the large cleaning swab.
3. Open the collection swab wrapper by peeling open the top of the wrapper. Remove the swab, taking care not to touch the tip or lay it down. If the soft tip is touched, the swab is laid down, or the swab is dropped, use a new collection kit.
4. Hold the swab in your hand, placing your thumb and forefinger in the middle of the swab shaft across the scoreline.
5. Carefully insert the swab into the vagina about 5 cm (2 inches) inside the opening of the vagina.
6. Gently rotate the swab for 10-30 seconds. Ensure the swab touches the wall of the vagina so that moisture is absorbed by the swab. Withdraw the swab and continue to hold it in your hand.
7. While holding the swab, unscrew the cap from the Xpert Swab Transport Reagent tube. Do not spill the contents of the tube. If the contents of the tube are spilled, use a new collection kit. Immediately place the swab in the transport tube.
8. Identifying the scoreline on the collection swab shaft, carefully break the swab shaft against the side of the tube at the scoreline. If needed, gently rotate the swab shaft to complete the breakage. Discard the top portion of the swab shaft. Avoid splashing the contents on the skin. Wash with soap and water if exposed.
9. Re-cap the swab transport reagent tube and tighten the cap securely. Invert or shake the tube 3-4 times to elute material from the swab.