Identification, susceptibilities and serogrouping will be performed on all microbiology isolates considered by the laboratory to be significant.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes the sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhea. It causes acute purulent urethritis in men and cervicitis in females, as well as pharyngitis, proctitis, conjunctivitis, salpingitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Infection may also occur by bloodstream dissemination to other sites, including the joints.

For cervical, oral, rectal, vaginal, urethral or urine specimens, the amplified probe assays (test numbers 6745 and 6746) are more sensitive tests.

ESwab standard tip collection kit (white)

ESwab with Amies, Mini-tip or Flexible Mini-tip

ESwab standard tip collection kit (white)

ESwab with Amies, Mini-tip or Flexible Mini-tip

Charcoal swab

Dacron or rayon swabs in Stuarts or Amies transport media are acceptable, but not optimal, if plated within 6-12 hours of collection.

Modified Thayer-Martin (MTM) Plate with CO₂ pill and bag:

1. Roll one swab over the plate. Discard swab. Send other swab.
2. Remove CO2 pill from foil and place in plastic bag with MTM plate.
3. Seal securely.
4. Transport at ambient temperature within 5 hours of collection/plating.

If incubated at 35-37°C for 18-24 hours first, acceptable within 48 hours of collection.

• Source

Aerobic bacterial culture collection & transport swab (BBL):

ESwab:
Ambient - 24 hours
Refrigerated - 24 hours

Charcoal swab:
Ambient - 24 hours

Modified Thayer-Martin (MTM) Plate with C02 Pill and Bag**

• Improper label (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Time delay between time of collection and receipt of specimen
• Improper transport container
• Improper transport temperature
• Inappropriate specimen type
• Leaking container

Culture