Specimen Requirement (s)

Specimen:  Vaginal swab

Type: Container/Tube: Affirm VPIII Sample Collection Set or Affirm VPIII Amient Temperature Transport System

Specimen Volume: NA

Specimen Minimum Volume:  NA

Collection instructions: 

Affirm VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System:  for use when the time from collection to receipt in laboratory will exceed one hour.

• Open the seal on the outer plastic pouch of Affirm VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System and remove all components.
• Label the Sample Collection Tube with the patient identification information and date and time collected
• Tear open the foil pouch and remove the ATTS Reagent Dropper
• Break the ampule in the ATTS Reagent Dropper by firmly squeezing the dropper close to its center with your finger and thumb.  Dispense the fluid by continuing to squeeze the dropper.
• Dispense the reagent from the ATTS Reagent Dropper into the Sample Collection tube.
• Peel wrapper to expose patient swab.  Remove swab.  Discard wrapper.
• Collect a sample of the posterior vaginal fornix.  Twist or roll the swab against the vaginal wall two to three times, ensuring the entire circumference of the swab has touched the vaginal wall.  Remove the swab.
• Immediately place the patient swab into the Sample Collection Tube containing the ATTS reagent.
• Break the swab shaft at pre-scored line just above the top of the tube.  Discard remaining shaft into an infectious waste container.
• Place the Sample Collection Cap over the exposed end of the swab and firmly press the cap onto the Sample Collection Tube.  The cap will "snap" onto the tube when it is properly sealed.

Affirm VPIII Sample Collection Set:  for use when time from collection to receipt in laboratory is less than 1 hour.

• Label the Sample Collection Tube with the patient identification information including date and time of collection.
• Peel wrapper to expose the patient swab.  Remove swab.  Discard wrapper.
• Collect a sample of the posterior fornix.  Twist or roll the swab against the vaginal wall two or three times, ensuring the entire circumference of the swab has touched the vaginal wall.  Remove the swab.
• Immediately place the patient swab in the Sample Collection Tube.
• Break the swab shaft at pre-scored line just above the top of the tube.  Discard remaining shaft into an infectious waste container.
• Place the Sample Collection Cap over the exposed end of the swab and fimrly press the cap onto the Sample Collection Tube.  The cap will "snap" onto the tube when it is properly sealed.

Lab instructions: NA