Alberta Precision Laboratories

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Organization:

Alberta Precision Laboratories

Test Name/Synonym:

Neisseria gonorrhoeae Culture
(Synonym: GC, Gonorrhea)

Clinical Indications:

Routine diagnostic testing for N. gonorrhoeae is performed by nucleic-acid amplification test (NAAT), in conjunction with Chlamydia trachomatis. This molecular testing requires specific collection kits. For more information, refer to:

N. gonorrhoeae culture is performed only if there is a clinical history of:

Suspected treatment failure
Infection was acquired outside of Canada
Sexual assault/abuse cases
Symptomatic men who have sex with men (MSM)

History must be provided on the requisition/order.

Note: N. gonorrhoeae culture is routinely performed on all neonatal (less than 1 month) conjunctival specimens. Refer to Eye Culture, Superficial.

Susceptibility is routinely performed if N. gonorrhoeae is isolated in culture. Susceptibility is performed by the Public Health Lab.

LABID (Connect Care):

LAB235

Specimen Type:

Swab

Specimen Source:

Cervix/Endocervix
Urethra
Eye
Rectal
Throat

Primary Container:

eSwab®

Specimen Collection Requirements:

Cervix/Endocervix

When inserting speculum, do not use lubricant other than warm water.
Remove cervical mucus with a cotton ball/swab.
Insert collection swab (eSwab) into the cervical canal. Move from side to side and rotate. Leave swab in place for 1-3 seconds.
Carefully remove swab and place in collection device.

Urethra

Collect specimen 1-2 hours after patient has urinated.
Carefully insert thin-tipped swab 2-4 cm into the urethra.
Gently rotate swab and leave in place for 1-3 seconds.
Carefully remove swab and place in collection device.

Throat

Swab posterior pharynx and tonsillar areas, including any inflamed or ulcerated areas. Avoid touching cheeks, tongue or lips.
Carefully remove swab and place in collection device.

Eye/Conjunctiva

Swab the inferior/tarsal and forniceal conjunctiva.
Carefully remove swab and place in collection device.

Test Resources:

Order in Connect Care or use

Microbiology Requisition - 20571
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/frm-20571.pdf

Stability and Storage:

Room Temperature: Less than 24 hours

Refrigerated: Greater than 24 hours

Note: Delay in transport (greater than 48 hours) may reduce recovery of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in culture.

Testing Schedule:

Test performed daily

Testing Area:

Microbiology

Performing Site:

Chinook Regional Hospital
Grande Prairie Regional Hospital
Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
Northern Lights Regional Health Centre
Red Deer Regional Hospital
Calgary Diagnostic and Scientific Centre
Edmonton Base Lab
Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Calgary and Edmonton)

Last Updated On:

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Date of Last Review:

Jan 31 2025 12:00AM

Registered Trademark Comments:

eSwab is a registered trademark of Copan Italia S.p.A.