Test Details
Mnemonic
CHC
Ordering Code
3093000
CPT-4 Code(s)
87110
Specimen Information
Collect
Swab specimen - See specimen preparation for acceptable samples
Specimen Preparation
Swab specimens (endocervix, endourethral, conjunctiva, rectal, peritoneal, nasopharyngeal), throat in viral transport medium. Send refrigerated. Specimen source is required.
Alternate Specimen
Place 2.0 mL (1.0 mL minimum) cul-de-sac fluids undiluted in a sterile screw capped container.
1) Nasal aspirates in vacuum trap, 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum)
2) Nasal wash in an IATA-approved sterile screw-capped plastic container, 2.0 mL (1.0 mL minimum)
3) Bronchoalveolar lavage/wash in an IATA-approved sterile, screw capped plastic container, 2.0 mL (1.0 mL minimum).
4) Fallopian and/or uterine tissue specimens in saline or viral transport medium (snap frozen -20°C)
The Laboratory Director or Supervisor must approve testing of specimens other than those listed above.
1) Nasal aspirates in vacuum trap, 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum)
2) Nasal wash in an IATA-approved sterile screw-capped plastic container, 2.0 mL (1.0 mL minimum)
3) Bronchoalveolar lavage/wash in an IATA-approved sterile, screw capped plastic container, 2.0 mL (1.0 mL minimum).
4) Fallopian and/or uterine tissue specimens in saline or viral transport medium (snap frozen -20°C)
The Laboratory Director or Supervisor must approve testing of specimens other than those listed above.
Minimum Volume
Determined by specimen type
Transport Temperature
Varies, See stability
Rejection Criteria
Urine specimens are not acceptable for culture (See chlamydia by TMA). Rectal swabs or stool preserved in formalin, SAF, or PVA. Specimens in Amplicor, EIA, Gen-Probe, or Probetec Transport media. Specimens in bacterial transport media, Stewart medium (Culturette). Specimens in bacteriological blood culture media. Dry swabs, wooden swabs, calcium alginate swabs and swabs in gel transports. Specimens received in nonsterile or leaking containers.
Stability
Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen (-20°C): Unacceptable (except tissue)
Frozen (-70°C): (tissue) 30 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen (-20°C): Unacceptable (except tissue)
Frozen (-70°C): (tissue) 30 days
Methodology
Centrifugation-enhanced (shell vial) culture with culture confirmation by monoclonal antibody staining. This procedure uses an anti-LPS monoclonal antibody and it cannot distinguish C. trachomatis from other Chlamydia species.
Reference Range
Negative
Performing Laboratory
Warde Medical Laboratory
New York DOH Approval Status
Yes