Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens:

Vaginal/rectal: 1 ESwab per test request in a sterile transport tube.
Note:  The optimum specimen, resulting in maximum sensitivity for group B streptococci detection, is a vaginal/rectal ESwab.  Results may be compromised if only a vaginal ESwab is submitted.

Cervical: 1 Eswab per test request in a sterile transport tube.

Unacceptable Specimens:

Specimen collected with ESwab Collection Kit is unacceptable if received without fluid or swab in the transport tube.

Collection Procedure:

1. Using a single ESwab, obtain specimen by sampling distal vagina (vaginal introitus), followed by rectum, inserting ESwab through anal sphincter. 
2. Return ESwab into transport tube following instructions on kit.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

Note: Specimen source is required.