Chlamydia trachomatis
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
STI & Arbovirus Laboratory 401-222-5591
Chlamydia trachomatis
Chlamydia
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) / Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) testing is performed using the FDA-approved Aptima Combo 2 Assay for CT/NG (Hologic) on the Panther System.
FDA cleared specimens include: male and female urine specimens, Clinician-collected swabs (endocervical, vaginal, male urethral, pharyngeal, rectal) and patient-collected vaginal swabs.
Results should be used in conjunction with the patient's clinical symptoms, medical history, and other clinical/laboratory findings to determine an overall clinical diagnosis.
Specimen Collection: (Follow instructions for collection printed on each collection kit) This test is only approved for specimen types listed in Specimen Section. Specimens received from other sites will be rejected.
Note: The performance of the Aptima Combo 2 Assay has not been evaluated in adolescents less than 14 years of age.
NOTE: SPECIMENS RECEIVED FROM ADOLESCENTS LESS THAN 14 YEARS OF AGE WILL NOT BE TESTED BY RISHL.
Aptima Unisex Swab Collection Kit: (Clinician- collected) endocervical and male urethral.
Aptima Multitest Swab Collection Kit: (Clinician or patient collected) vaginal, pharyngeal, and rectal.
Note:
If requested, a single Clinician-collected Unisex Swab Collection Kit (endocervical) or Clinician-collected Multitest Swab Collection Kit (vaginal) can be used for testing Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
Aptima Urine Collection Kit: male and female urine specimens.
Note: If requested, a single Urine Collection Kit can be used for testing Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
For additional information refer to the specimen collection tube guidance chart .
Hold specimen at 2° - 30°C until transport.
CLIA regulations require two patient identifiers on the specimen container and the test requisition.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form
Chlamydia / Gonorrhea
Indicate source type in Source/Site box on requisition
Swab specimen must be received within 60 days of collection.
Urine specimen must be received within 30 days of collection.
Specimens must be packaged and transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
Specimens not received in appropriate collection kit will be rejected.
Negative
Providers must report patient information on Chlamydia within 4 days using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
3 business days
Kits are available from RISHL Center for Laboratory Support Services and may be obtained Monday - Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Test kit order forms can be faxed to (401) 222-6985