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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CULTURE, NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2138    Geisinger Epic ID:  14971

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Various genital specimens, throat, rectum, eyes and synovial fluid.


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Sterile screw-cap tube
Anaerobic Transport Media (ATM)
Specimen required: 

Swab collections: One swab; Synovial fluid: 0.5mL minimum


Special notes: 

ATM and sterile screw-cap tube are to be used for fluid only. Check expiration date on transport device before use. The recommended test for vaginal, endocervical or male urethral swabs is Neisseria Amplified GCA.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Room temperature


Specimen stability: 

ESwab or charcoal swab: Room temperature < 24 hours 
Other swabs: Room temperature < 6 hours 
Sterile screw-cap tube: < 24 hours 
ATM: Room temperature < 72 hours


Rejection criteria: 

Swabs in Aptima® media. Improper swab used. Improperly labeled/identified specimen. Expired transport device/swab. Grossly contaminated specimen. Delay in transport or transport at wrong temperature.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

No Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated
CPT code(s):  87081
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Isolation, identification and semi-quantitation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Bacterial identification performed as appropriate. Additional charge may apply.


Methodology: 
Culture
Synonyms: 

GONORRHOEA/GONORRHOEAE, GCC, GC, STD, NEISSERIA, GONOCOCCUS, CULTURE


Clinical significance: 

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhea and is always considered a pathogen.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Raquel Martinez, PhD, D(ABMM)
Review Date:  12/31/2024

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