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HelpTest Code MISC1WARDECHC Chlamydia Culture
Department
SEND OUTS
Reference Lab Test Number
CHC
Collection Requirements
Swab specimens (endocervix, endourethral, conjunctiva, rectal, peritoneal, throat) in viral transport medium. Send refrigerated. Specimen source is required.
Refer To
Transport
Specimen refrigerated
Preferred Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Processing
Send refrigerated. Specimen source is required.
Stability
Ambient (18-25°C): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C): Unacceptable
Frozen (-70°C): 3 months
Minimum Testing Volume
Fluids 1.0 mL
Reference Range
Negative
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.
Performed
Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
Reported
3-6 days
CPT Codes
-87110
Unacceptable Conditions
- 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.
- Respiratory specimens including nasopharyngeal, throat, BAL, Bronchial washes.
Additional Information
Chlamydia cultures are performed using a centrifugation enhanced culture procedure. This procedure cannot distinguish Chlamydia trachomatis from other Chlamydia species but C. psittaci and C. pneumoniae are rarely isolated from the genital tract. This procedure is not appropriate for testing urine or semen. Vaginal cultures are not recommended because they have low sensitivity.
Specimen source required.