GC (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) Culture Only
Also known as: Neisseria gonorrhoeae Culture, Culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Only, Culture for GC Only, Genital Culture (GC) Only, Gonorrhea Culture
Use
Isolate and identify N gonorrhoeae; establish the diagnosis of gonorrhea
Special Instructions
Collection should not occur less than one hour after urinating for urethral specimens. Thayer-Martin plates should be prewarmed before inoculation and transported in appropriate conditions to ensure viability of specimens. Endocervical cultures are preferred; however, urethral or vaginal cultures may be accepted if endocervical cultures are not possible.
Limitations
The culture specifically evaluates for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and no other organisms are identified. Overgrowth by Proteus and yeast can obscure the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, making it difficult to rule its presence out. Additionally, some Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains may be inhibited by vancomycin present in Thayer-Martin media. Other potential causes of nongonococcal urethritis, such as Ureaplasma urealyticum, Corynebacterium genitalium type 1, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus, and Candida albicans, will not be detected.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 698-1
- 698-1
- 6463-4
- 23658-8
Result Turnaround Time
4-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
One swab
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Bacterial swab transport containing Amies agar gel or ESwab; Thayer-Martin plate (client-provided) is also acceptable.
Collection Instructions
Do not collect urethral specimens until at least one hour after urinating. Collection directly from male urethral discharge is desirable. Collect anorectal specimens from the crypts just inside the anal ring; anoscopy useful. Swab endocervical canal but avoid contaminating with vaginal secretions.
Storage Instructions
Maintain swab transport or ESwab at room temperature. Pre-warmed inoculated Thayer-Martin plates should be placed in a CO2 incubator or candle jar within 15 minutes of collection, if possible.
Causes for Rejection
Inappropriate specimen received; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label; specimen received after prolonged delay (usually more than 72 hours); specimen received in expired transport container.