Methodology
DNA Probe
Synonyms
Trichomoniasis; Yeast; Vaginal Infection; Affirm; Trichomonas; Candida; BV/Vaginitis Panel DNA Probe; Gardnerella; Affirm VPII
Specimen Type
Vaginal Swab
Performing Lab
Quest Diagnostics West Hills
Epic ID
LAB01554
Lab Test Days
Monday-Saturday
Standard TAT
1-3 Days
Collection Information
Specimen Required
Vaginal swab collected in AFFIRM VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System (ATTS)
Container Type
AFFIRM VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System (ATTS)
Collection Instructions
Call lab for AFFIRM VPIIl Ambient Temperature Transport System. AFFIRM swabs are located in referral testing and provided by Quest. Open the seal on outer plastic pouch of AFFIRM™ VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System (ATTS) and remove all components. Each plastic pouch contains enough material for the collection and transport of one vaginal specimen. Tear open the foil pouch and remove the ATTS Reagent dropper. Break ampoule in ATTS Reagent Dropper by firmly squeezing the vial with finger and thumb. Break ampoule close to its center one time only. Do not manipulate dropper any further as the plastic may puncture and injury may occur. Dispense reagent from ATTS Reagent Dropper into Sample Collection Tube (SCT). Peel wrapper to expose patient swab. Remove swab. Discard wrapper. Vaginal Sample Collection: * Label the Sample Collection Tube (SCT) with the patient identification information. Include the time and date the sample was collected. * Place the patient in position for a pelvic examination. Insert an UNLUBRICATED speculum (without jelly or water) into the vagina to permit visualization of the posterior vaginal fornix. * Using the sterile polyester [Dacron™] swab obtain a sample from the posterior vaginal 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. Swab the lateral vaginal wall while removing the swab. * Immediately place the swab into the Sample Collection Tube (SCT) containing the ATTS reagent. * With the swab touching the BOTTOM of the collection tube, grasp the pre-scored handle of the swab just above the top of the tube and bend until the swab breaks. When the swab is fully inserted into the collection tube, the score mark on the swab is approximately 1 cm above the collection tube. Discard the broken handle into an infectious waste container. Place the cap over the exposed end of the swab and firmly press the cap onto the tube. The cap will "snap" onto the tube when it is properly sealed. For specimen collection, use ONLY the AFFIRM™ VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System. Separate swabs should be used for other tests, e.g. culture or microscopic slide samples.
Processing Information - Lab Use Only
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate-OK/Ambient-OK
Specimen Stability
Room Temp: 72 Hours; Refrigerated: 72 Hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Rejection Criteria
Specimen >72 hours old; Swabs received in transport systems other than AFFIRM VPIII Ambient Temp Transport System (ATTS); Received frozen
Test Volume Required
Vaginal swab collected in AFFIRM VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System (ATTS)
Minimum Test Volume
Vaginal swab collected in AFFIRM VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System (ATTS)
Included Tests
Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida species.
CPT Codes
87480, 87510, 87660
Revised
5/17/24
Initials
SA