Genital Culture

Pathology category

Microbiology

Code

GENC

Referral code

Request form

Test information

Relevant clinical details (e.g. unprotected sexual intercourse, pregnancy and miscarriage) are imperative in determining which tests are performed on a genital swap. Routinely, genital samples are tested for a variety of different organisms including: β- Haemolytic Streptococci, Streptococci Group ACG, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida sp. which are common causes of genital infections. N.gonorrhoeae, Listeria monocytogenes, Actinomyces israelii, Trichomonas vaginalis and anaerobes are all examples of organisms only tested for when relevant clinical details are listed on the request form. Tests performed in a UKAS Accredited Medical Laboratory No. 8873.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

High vaginal swabs should be obtained using a speculum. The swab should be swept across the high vaginal wall adjacent to the cervix and removed taking care not to touch the lateral vaginal walls. Cervical specimens should also be obtained using a speculum. Separate swabs should be taken N.gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia. N. gonorrhoeae is a fastidious organism and should be transported to the laboratory with minimum delay. In order to improve isolation rate specimens should be processed within 24 hours.Any materials used in taking these samples must be discarded in an approved clinical waste and/or sharps container.If processing is delayed, ambient temperature is preferred to refrigeration. Delays of over 48h are undesirable. Any materials used in taking these samples must be discarded in an approved clinical waste and/or sharps container.

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

Charcoal swab

Special requirements

Minimum volume

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

2 - 3 days

TAT Inpatient

TAT GP/Outpatient

2 - 3 days

Referral lab

Local