July 2023 WML Test Directory Update

Announcement

Warde Laboratory is switching platforms for nucleic acid testing of the STI pathogens N. gonorrheae, C. trachomatis, and T. vaginalis. Starting in July/Aug 2023, this testing will be performed on the Abbott Alinity m platform using the Alinity m STI Amp Kit. All three pathogens can be detected from a single Abbott Multi-Collect tube, which Warde will provide to clients. Additional information about the new test build and ordering process will be provided over the next few months. This notice is intended to allow clients time to wind down ordering of Aptima collection tubes as they will no longer be accepted for STI nucleic acid testing.

Alinity m STI Amp Kit specimen sources and stability:

Specimen                       Room Temp Stability          Refrigerated Stability          Frozen Stability

Vaginal Swab                        14 days                                          14 days                                 60 days

Rectal Swab                           14 days                                           14 days                                 60 days

Oropharyngeal Swab           14 days                                           14 days                                 60 days

First Catch Urine                  14 days                                           14 days                                 60 days

First catch urine should be collected in an IATA screw-capped container and transferred to the Multi-Collect Tube via transfer pipet within 24 hr. No additional specimen sources or media types will be accepted for testing for these pathogens. All specimens should be shipped refrigerated.