CT PCR

Chlamydia trachomatis Detection by PCR

EPIC Test Procedure Code: LAB2054

Performing Lab:
Saint Luke's Regional Laboratories
Container Type:
For swab specimens: Cobas media or M4-RT viral transport media. For urine specimens: polypropylene urine container without preservative.
Specimen Type:

Swab or urine 

Preferred Volume:
1 swab; 10 - 50 mL of first-catch, random urine
Collection Procedure:

Swab Specimens:
1. Collect specimen using appropriate collection swab (no wooden swabs).
2. Place swab in Cobas media or M4-RT viral transport media.
3. Label the tube with the patient's full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection, initials of person collecting specimen, and specimen source.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
5. The specimen source is required on the request form for processing.

Urine:
1. Collect 10 - 50 mL from a first-catch, random urine collection in a polypropylene container without preservative. Urine that has been transferred to a yellow top tube without preservative is also acceptable.
2. Label the container with the patient's full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection, initials of person collecting specimen, and specimen source.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
4. The specimen source is required on the request form for processing.
 

Store and Transport:
Room temperature or refrigerated
Stability:

Room temperature - 24 hours

Unacceptable Condition:

1. Swabs with wooden shafts are not acceptable.
2. Swab MUST be present in transport media.
3. Urine specimens containing preservative (gray top or tiger top urine tubes) are not acceptable.
4. GenProbe (Aptima) urine transport tubes are not acceptable.

CPT Codes:

87491 - Chlamydia PCR (EAP 30051001)

Test Schedule:
Testing is performed daily, Monday through Friday. No testing performed on weekends or SLHS holidays. Test is not offered on a STAT basis.
Method:
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reference Ranges:

Not detected

Lab Personnel

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