Chlamydia trachomatis Culture
Also known as: Chlamydia (Isolation) Culture, Culture, Chlamydia, Lymphogranuloma Venereum Culture, Nongonococcal Urethritis Culture, Trachoma Inclusion Conjunctivitis
Use
Aid in the diagnosis of infections, including medical/legal cases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (eg, cervicitis, trachoma, conjunctivitis, PID, pneumonia, urethritis, nongonococcal urethritis, pneumonitis, and sexually-transmitted diseases)
Special Instructions
Submit one specimen per test requested. Specify the exact specimen source/origin (e.g., genital lesion). Indicate a specific test number on the request form. Check expiration date of transport; do not use expired devices. Do not use swabs with a wooden shaft.
Limitations
Culture may be negative even in the presence of Chlamydia infection. Although culture is considered a legal standard, it is not the gold standard for detecting C. trachomatis. The sensitivity of culture is 70% - 90% due to potential non-survival during transit, inadequate sampling, or low organism counts in asymptomatic infections. It does not detect C. pneumoniae.
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6349-5
- 6349-5
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cervical Swab
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Viral, Chlamydia, or Mycoplasma culture transport provided by LabCorp, or other appropriate transport medium
Collection Instructions
Remove mucus/pus with a swab, discard, and use firm and rotating pressure to obtain specimen with another swab. May be combined with a urethral swab into same transport medium.
Storage Instructions
Transport and store at room temperature for up to 24 hours after specimen is placed into UTM-RT medium, or refrigerate.
Causes for Rejection
Bacterial swab specimen; specimen received in grossly leaking transport container; dry specimen; specimen submitted in fixative or additive; specimen received in expired transport medium or incorrect transport device; inappropriate specimen transport conditions; specimen received after prolonged delay in transport (usually more than 72 hours); specimen stored or transported at room temperature for more than 24 hours; wooden shaft swab in transport device; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label