Reminder: Proper urine collection for CTNG and CTNGT

Guidelines ensure accuracy, sensitivity

To ensure the highest accuracy and diagnostic sensitivity, please review and follow the proper collection procedure and guidelines below for first-catch urine specimens used in Chlamydia and Gonorrhoeae by PCR (CTNG) and Chlamydia and Gonorrhoeae w/Trichomonas Vaginalis by PCR (CTNGT) testing:

Urine specimen collection guidelines for CTNG and CTNGT testing

• Timing of urination:
• The patient should not urinate for at least one hour prior to specimen collection.
• Cleansing instructions:
• Female patients: Do not cleanse the labial area prior to collection.
• Male patients: Do not cleanse the tip of the penis prior to collection.
• Type of specimen:
• A sterile urine collection container should be used.
• Collect the first-catch urine (the first 20 to 50 mL of the urinary stream) in sterile urine container provided.
• Specimen transport
• Deliver specimen to the lab/courier ASAP. Delay in delivery could result in test cancellation if specimen is determined to be past stability.
• Unpreserved urine is stable at room temperature for 24 hours after collection.
• If unable to deliver to the lab within 24 hours, unpreserved urine specimens are stable refrigerated for up to eight days after collection.

These instructions are essential to avoid dilution or removal of cellular material that contains target organisms, which could potentially result in false-negative test results. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to high-quality patient care. 

Testing or collection questions? Contact Salem Health Laboratory – State Street Micro/Molecular at 503-814-1662, Salem Health Laboratory – Dallas at 503-917-2088 or client services at 503-814-5227.