Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Gonorrhoeae is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhoea infection primarily affects the mucous membranes of the urethra, endocervix, rectum, pharynx, and conjunctiva.
Infection of the eye most commonly results from autoinoculation. If the infection is sexually transmitted, the test results can help guide the need to trace contacts. Gonococcal infection among infants usually results from exposure to infected cervical exudates at birth.
Specimen container paediatric:
Swabs from cervical, urethral, vulvo vaginal, rectal, throat swabs or eye swab in Amies transport medium with charcoal.
Specimen container adult:
Swabs from cervical, urethral, vulvo vaginal, rectal, throat swabs or eye swab in Amies transport medium with charcoal.
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 swab from each site.
Minimum volume adult:
1 swab from each site.
Special requirements:
Please include a ‘chain of evidence’ request form where applicable. Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add On Test:
Possible up to 7 days.
Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS).
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable.
Reference Ranges:
N/A
Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 28)
Other Info:
Referred any resistance and confirmation Sexually Transmitted Bacteria Reference Unit (STBRU) if typing or confirmation required.