Test Details

Use

This test is intended to be used as an aid to the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women with a clinical presentation consistent with this disorder. The BV test utilizes semiquantitative PCR analysis of the three most predictive marker organisms (Atopobium vaginae, BVAB-2, and Megasphaera-1) to generate a total score that correlates directly with the presence or absence of BV. In this test system, samples with a total score of 0 to 1 are considered negative for BV, samples with a score of 3 to 6 are positive for BV, and samples with a score of 2 are indeterminate for BV. Used to detect the presence of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata DNA in vaginal samples as an aid to the diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis in symptomatic women. Also used in the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis infections.

Limitations

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary.

Methodology

Nucleic acid amplification (NAA)

Related Documents

For more information, please view the literature below.

Optimal Specimen Collection Device Flyer (Women's Health)

Specimen Requirements

Information on collection, storage, and volume

Specimen

Vaginal swab

Volume

One swab

Minimum Volume

One swab

Container

Aptima® Multitest Swab Specimen Collection Kit or Aptima® Unisex Swab Specimen Collection Kit

Storage Instructions

Maintain specimen at room temperature or refrigerate (2°C to 30°C).

Causes for Rejection

Specimen with incorrect patient identification; unlabeled specimen; inappropriate specimen transport conditions, including specimens received frozen; specimens received after prolonged delay (usually >72 hours); specimen leaked in transit; specimen in expired transport or incorrect transport device; specimens with inappropriate source for test requested; specimen with fixative or additives; Aptima® urine transport; Aptima® swab transport >30 days from collection; Aptima® swab specimen without a swab; cleaning swab (white-shaft swab) in Aptima® swab transport; any non-Aptima® swab submitted in Aptima® transport device; transport device with multiple swabs; bloody or grossly mucoid specimens; bacterial swabs; specimen in ProbeTec™ UPT transport; ProbeTec™ Q-swabs

Collection

Vaginal swab: Collect vaginal fluid sample using the Aptima® swab by contacting the swab to the lower third of the vaginal wall and rotating the swab for 10 to 30 seconds to absorb fluid. Immediately place the swab into the transport tube and carefully break the swab shaft against the side of the tube. Tightly screw on the cap.