Female Patients
 
For the diagnosis of vaginal discharge, please send a high vaginal swab in bacterial transport medium (BTM) collected during vaginal speculum examination.
 
 If Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis infection is suspected please send in addition a cervical swab or urine sample using an Abbott Multicollect specimen collection kit for detection by molecular testing. Alternatively, a urethral swab or self-taken vaginal swab may be sent, although these may not be as effective in diagnosis. As Chlamydia is an intracellular parasite, epithelial cells from the endo-cervix are required - purulent discharge is not suitable.
 
Testing for Herpes simplex cervicitis requires a swab of the lesion, or vesicle fluid, sent in viral transport medium (VTM). This is tested by molecular methods.
 
 Syphilis infection requires collection of blood samples, and it is recommended to also test for blood-borne viruses at the same time. Blood samples for Syphilis, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis C, or HIV should be taken into a plain (brown top) Serum Gel Monovette. Please note the Laboratory's policy on the collection, labelling and transport of "high-risk" samples. 
To test for Haemophilus ducreyi a bacterial swab of the ulceration should be collected into bacterial transport medium (BTM). 
 
 
 
Male Patients
 
 To diagnose balanitis, sub-prepuce swabs may be collected into bacterial transport medium (BTM). 
 
 For Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infection, a urine sample or urethral swab should be sent in an Abbott Multicollect specimen collection kit.
 
Penile lesions may be sampled for Herpes simplex using a swab sent in viral transport medium. This is tested by molecular methods.  
Syphilis infection requires collection of blood samples, and it is recommended to also test for blood-borne viruses at the same time. Blood samples for Syphilis, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis C,  or HIV should be taken into a plain (brown top) Serum Gel Monovette. Please note the Laboratory's policy on the collection, labelling and transport of "high-risk" samples.
 
 To test for Haemophilus ducreyi a bacterial swab of the ulceration should be collected into bacterial transport medium (BTM).