Group B Strep (GBS) rPCR, Nurse Collection Instructions for

I. Materials:

Cepheid Sample Collection Device, Copan double transport swab (Cepheid #900-0370)

1. This is the only acceptable collection device for the rapid PCR GBS Assay.

2. Obtain the Cepheid Sample Collection Device from United Clinical Laboratories, Inc.

II. Vaginal/Rectal Specimen:

1. Collection Instructions:
Using the Cepheid Collection Device, collect specimens according to (CDC recommendations) the following procedure:

A. Obtain a Cepheid Sample Collection Device.

B. Open the Cepheid Collection Device by peeling back the outer packaging.

C. Wipe away excessive amounts of secretions or discharge.

D. Remove both marked swabs from the transport container.

E. Carefully insert both marked swabs into the patient’s vagina. Sample secretions from the mucosa of the lower one-third part of the vagina. Rotate the swabs three times to ensure uniform sample on both swabs.

F. Using the same marked swabs, carefully insert both swabs approximately 2.5 cm beyond the anal sphincter and gently rotate to sample anal crypts.

G. Twist off the cap of the plastic transfer tube and discard it. Place both swabs into the plastic transport tube. The swabs should be all the way into the tube until they rest on top of the sponge at the bottom of the tube. Make sure the red cap is on tightly. The swabs should stay attached to the red cap at all times.

H. Label the plastic transport tube with the patient name, patient identification number, date & time of collection and the initials of the nurse who collected the specimen.

2. Storage:
Swab specimens can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours. The swab specimen is stable up to 6 days when stored at 2 - 8°C.

III. Reference:

1. Xpert GBS Assay package insert. Cepheid. Sunnyvale, CA. 300-7243 Rev. A. December 2008.

 

i. April 2009 L. McGovern

 

Pathologist:

Technical Director: