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Molecular Diagnostic Submission Guidelines

Respiratory Viral Panel Testing

Viral Transport Media (VTM)
 
Once the swab has been collected and put into the Viral Transport Medium (VTM), it is to be transported and stored at 2-8C within 72 hours.
 
VTM vial 1ml and 3ml are accepted by PSMG..  
Oropharyngeal swabs are also accepted by PSMG.

Vaginitis Panel

VAGINITIS PANEL from the BD Molecular Swab Collection Kit  (Bacterial vaginosis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida species group, and Trichomonas vaginalis)
 

 

NOTE: Specimen collection for the BD Max vaginitis panel may be collected by the clinician or it may be collected directly by the patient.

Clinician collection procedure

  • Collect swab prior to pelvic, speculum, or bimanual exam.
  • No lubricant is to be used before or during samkple collection.
  • Gently slide the swab no more than 2 inches (5 cm) into the vagina. If the swab does not slide easily, gently rotate the swab as you push. If it is still difficult, do not attempt to continue.
  • Rotate the swab for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • Withdraw the swab without touching the skin outside the vagina.
  •  
Precaution: If a speculum will be inserted prior to collecting the vaginal panel swab:
  • Do NOT collect at the posterior fornix.
  • Lukewarm water may be used to warm and lubricate the speculum.
  • If lubricant must be used, lubricant should be used sparingly and applied only to the exterior sides of the speculum blades avoiding contact with the tip of the speculum.
  • Avoid contact between the swab and the speculum or lubricant.
  • Insert the BD Molecular Collection Swab to contact the vaginal sidewall, 2 inches within the vagina, rotate gently for 10-15 seconds; withdraw the swab without touching the speculum.
Swab-to-tube transfer procedure
Specimens collected using the BD Molecular Collection Swab must be transferred to the BD Molecular Swab Sample Buffer Tube immediately after collection.
  • Unscrew the green cap of the BD Molecular Swab Sample Buffer Tube, taking care not to contaminate the contents or the outside of the tube. Immediately after collection, insert the BD Molecular Collection Swab into the tube so that the score mark indicated by the black line is at the lip of the tube.
  • Carefully break the shaft at the score mark and allow the swab to drop into the tube.
  • Tightly re-cap the tube.
  • Label tube with patient information, date and time collected. Be careful not to obscure the barcodes on the bottom of the tube
  • Specimen is stable for up to 21 days if stored between 2-30°
 
Patient Collection Procedure
  • Do not use lubricant with the BD MAX UVE Specimen Collection Kit to aid in self collection.
  • Patient must collect their specimen before any vaginal exam is performed with a lubricant.
  • Patient must wash hands with soap and water prior to collection. Rinse and dry.
  • Twist the cap to break the seal. Do not use if seal is broken or damaged. Carefully pull the cap with attached swab off the tube. Do not touch the soft tip or lay the swab down. If you touch or drop the swab tip or the swab is laid down, discard the swab and request a new vaginal swab. Check for presence of the swab tip. If the swab has no tip, discard it and request a new vaginal swab.
  • Hold the swab by the cap with one hand so the swab tip is pointing toward you.With your other hand, gently spread the skin outside the vagina. Insert the tip of the swab into the vaginal opening. Point the tip toward your lower back and relax your muscles.
  • Gently slide the swab 2 inches (5 cm) into the vagina. If the swab does not slide easily, gently rotate the swab as you push. If it is still difficult, do not attempt to continue self-collection; consult your clinician at this point.
  • Rotate the swab for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • Withdraw the swab without touching the skin outside the vagina. Place the swab in the tube and cap the tube securely.
  • After collection, wash hands with soap and water, rinse, and dry. Return the swab in its tube to the nurse or clinician as instructed.

Swab to sample buffer tube transfer procedure

  • Unscrew the green cap of the BD Molecular Swab Sample Buffer Tube, taking care not to contaminate the contents or the outside of the tube. Immediately after collection, insert the BD Molecular Collection Swab into the tube so that the score mark indicated by the black line is at the lip of the tube.
  • Carefully break the shaft at the score mark and allow the swab to drop into the tube.
  • Tightly re-cap the tube.
  • Label tube with patient information, date and time collected. Be careful not to obscure the barcodes on the bottom of the tube
  • Specimen is stable for up to 21 days if stored between 2-30°

Male and Female C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis Urine testing

Females: Can be ordered as a standalone test from the SurePath vial (C. trachomatis & N. gonorrhoeae only) - Please refer to the SurePath collection guidelines
 
 
Male and Female C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis Urine Testing
 
Collection procedure
  • Patient should collect specimen in a sterile, plastic, preservative-free specimen collection cup.
NOTE: Patient should not urinate for at least 1 hour prior to collection of specimen. Patient should collect the first 20 to 60mL of voided urine.
  • Have the patient securely place the cap on the urine collection cup.
  • Label collection cup with patient identification, date and time collected.
  • NOTE: Wear clean gloves when handling BD Molecular Urine Transport Kit components and urine specimens. If gloves come into contact with the specimen, immediately change gloves.
Urine to sample buffer tube transfer procedure
  • Uncap the BD Molecular Urine Sample Buffer Tube and the urine sample cup. Immediately after collection, use the graduated transfer pipette to gently mix the urine specimen. Then, use the pipette to aspirate approximately 2mL of the urine specimen from the collection cup.
  • Transfer 2 mL of the urine specimen into the BD Molecular Urine Sample Buffer Tube. Use the graduations on the transfer pipette as a guide.  DO NOT overfill or underfill the tube.
  • NOTE: The transfer pipette is intended for use with a single specimen only.
  • Tighten the cap securely on the BD Molecular Urine Sample Buffer Tube. Invert the BD Molecular Urine Sample Buffer Tube 3-4 times to ensure that the specimen and reagent are well mixed.
  • Label the BD Molecular Urine Sample Buffer Tube with patient identification, date, and time collected. Be careful not to obscure any barcodes on the bottom of the tube.
  • Transport to the testing laboratory following the storage and stability requirements.
  • Specimen is stable for 21 days when stored at 2-30°C in BD Molecular Urine Sample Buffer Tubes.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing

  • Collect in SurePath vials only
  • Can be ordered as a standalone test
  • Please refer to the SurePath collection guidelines
 
 
Please contact us with questions or to request a specimen pick-up.