Specimen Collection

Obtain Collection materials from lab. 1. Take the solvent vial by its cap and shake well to ensure all liquid in the vial is in the bottom of the tube. Open the vial and put aside in a vertical position.
2. Remove the swab from its package. The swab tip should not touch anything prior to insertion into the vagina.
3. Hold the swab in the middle of the stick and, while the patient is lying flat on her back, carefully insert the tip of the swab into the vagina until the fingers contact the skin, no more than 2-3 inches. 4. After one minute, withdraw the swab.
5. Place the swab tip into the vial and rinse in the solvent by rotating for one minute.
6. Wring the swab out on the side of the tube, remove and discard the swab in a biohazard container.
7. Recap the vial securely. Label the specimen and place in a biohazard bag for transport. Send immediately to the lab with the order requisition.