GC Amplification, Genital, Rectal and Oral Specimens
Test Mnemonic
GC
CPT Codes
- 87591 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
24111-7
Aliases
- GCAMP
- Gonorrhea Amplification
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae Amplification
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | Endocervical | APTIMA Collection Unisex swab | Ambient | Endocervical swab is an alternative to vaginal swab for screening asymptomatic women; may also be used for testing women with vaginal discharge or cervicitis. | |
| One | Urethral | APTIMA Collection Unisex swab | Ambient | Urethral swab is an alternative to first-catch urine for testing asymptomatic or symptomatic males; may also be used for testing women with symptoms of urethritis. | |
| One | Vaginal | APTIMA Collection Vaginal swab | Ambient | Vaginal swab is optimal for screening asymptomatic women; may also be used for testing women with vaginal discharge or cervicitis. | |
| One | Rectal | APTIMA Collection Unisex swab | Ambient | Note: The white swab provided in the collection kit is a cleaning swab and should not be used for collection. Please discard the white cleaning swab. Use the blue swab for specimen collection. | |
| One | Throat | APTIMA Collection Unisex swab | Ambient | Note: The white swab provided in the collection kit is a cleaning swab and should not be used for collection. Please discard the white cleaning swab. Use the blue swab for specimen collection. |
Alternate Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unspecified | Cervical | Cytyc PreservCyt solution (Thin Prep) | Ambient | Cytyc PreservCyt Solution (ThinPrep) is not recommended unless performed in conjunction with a ThinPrep PAP test. Prior to cytology testing and within 30 days of collection, transfer a one mL aliquot into an APTIMA Specimen Transfer Tube; the specimen must have been stored at 2 - 30 degrees C. |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | Swab in APTIMA transport media: 60 days; ThinPrep PreservCyt solution in APTIMA transport media: 14 days; ThinPrep PreservCyt unprocessed: 30 days |
| Frozen | Swab in APTIMA transport media: 12 months; ThinPrep PreservCyt solution in APTIMA transport media: 12 months; ThinPrep PreservCyt unprocessed: Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | Swab in APTIMA transport media: 60 days; ThinPrep PreservCyt solution in APTIMA transport media: 30 days; ThinPrep PreservCyt unprocessed: 30 days |
Days Performed
Mon - Fri
Turnaround Time
1 - 4 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Target amplification nucleic acid probe, qualitative |
Reference Range
Special Info
Rejection criteria: Swab not received in correct transport media. For endocervical specimens, remove excess mucus using cleaning swab and then insert blue shaft swab into the endocervical canal and rotate for 10 - 30 seconds. For urethral specimens, insert the blue shaft swab 2 - 4 cm into the urethra and rotate for 2 - 3 seconds. When collecting vaginal specimens, insert the swab about 2 inches and rotate for 10 - 30 seconds against the vaginal wall. Immediately place swab in the transport tube. Carefully break swab shaft at score line against side of tube and discard top portion of shaft. Transport specimens at 2 - 30 degrees C.
Clinical Info
Because the predictive value of a test correlates with disease prevalence, positive results in low prevalence populations should be interpreted carefully with the understanding that the likelihood of a false positive may be higher than a true positive. In most cases, a test of cure is not recommended because a positive result may indicate persistent, but nonviable nucleic acids. Repeat testing to ensure cure is recommended for pregnant women, but should not be performed until 3 weeks after treatment [CDC, MMWR 2010; 59(RR12):1-110]. In cases of suspected sexual assault or therapy failure, culture is recommended.