| Specimen Type | E-swab or Xpert swab |
|---|---|
| Collection Requirements | Expose with speculum moistened in sterile water. Remove mucus and secretions from cervical os with sterile swab and discard the swab. Firmly yet gently sample the endocervical canal by rotating the new sterile swab. |
| Cause for Rejection | E-swab: Specimens that are received in an expired transport device, more than 48 hours after collection, frozen or without liquid media will be rejected. Xpert swab: Specimens that are receved in expired transport devices or without liquid media will be rejected. |
| Specimen Handling/Stability | E-swab: Ideally, specimens should be received within 2 hours of collection. Specimens are stable for up to 48 hours at room temperature or 4-8°C. GC cultures are only stable for 24 hours. Xpert swab: Specimens are stable for 60 days at 2-30°C. |