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Chlamydia trachomatis, Rectal Swab, NAA

CPT

87491

Synonyms
  • Chlamydia trachomatis, Amplicor® PCR
  • Chlamydia trachomatis, Aptima® SDA
  • Chlamydia trachomatis, ProbeTec™ TMA
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  • Updated on 06/19/2026

Test Details

Methodology

Nucleic acid amplification (NAA)

Result Turnaround Time

2 - 3 days

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Related Documents

For more information, please view the literature below.

Use

This test is used to detect Chlamydia trachomatis.

Special Instructions

Submit one specimen per test requested. Specify the exact specimen source/origin (e.g., rectal). Indicate a specific test number on the test request form.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Rectal specimen collected with Aptima® Multitest collection swab and submitted in Aptima® swab specimen transport tube

Rectal specimen collected with Aptima® unisex collection swab and submitted in the Aptima® swab specimen transport tube

Rectal specimen collected with Aptima® Multitest collection swab and submitted in Aptima® swab specimen transport tube

Volume

One swab (rectal)

Minimum Volume

One swab (rectal)

Container

Aptima® swab specimen transport tube

Gen-Probe® Aptima® swab specimen transport tube

Aptima® swab specimen transport tube

Collection Instructions

Partially peel open the swab package. Remove the swab. Do not touch the soft tip or lay the swab down. If the soft tip is touched, the swab is laid down or the swab is dropped, use a new Aptima Multitest Swab Specimen Collection Kit. 

Hold the swab, placing your thumb and forefinger in the middle of the swab shaft covering the score line. Do not hold the swab shaft below the score line. Carefully insert the swab into the rectum about 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm) past the anal margin and gently rotate the swab clockwise for five to 10 seconds. Withdraw the swab without touching the skin. While holding the swab in the same hand, unscrew the cap from the tube. Do not spill the contents of the tube. If the contents of the tube are spilled, use a new Aptima Multitest Swab Specimen Collection Kit. 

Immediately place the swab into the transport tube so that the score line is at the top of the tube. Carefully break the swab shaft at the score line against the side of the tube. Immediately discard the top portion of the swab shaft. Tightly screw the cap onto the tube.

Insert the blue-shafted swab, labeled “unisex collection swab for endocervical and male urethral specimens,” 2" to 4" into the rectum and rotate to sample the mucosal surfaces. Do not use the white-shafted swab; discard this swab. Remove the cap from the swab specimen transport tube and immediately place the specimen collection swab into the transport tube. Carefully break the swab shaft at the scoreline; use care to avoid splashing of the contents. Recap the swab specimen transport tube tightly.

Partially peel open the swab package. Remove the swab. Do not touch the soft tip or lay the swab down. If the soft tip is touched, the swab is laid down or the swab is dropped, use a new Aptima Multitest Swab Specimen Collection Kit. 

Hold the swab, placing your thumb and forefinger in the middle of the swab shaft covering the score line. Do not hold the swab shaft below the score line. Carefully insert the swab into the rectum about 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm) past the anal margin and gently rotate the swab clockwise for five to 10 seconds. Withdraw the swab without touching the skin. While holding the swab in the same hand, unscrew the cap from the tube. Do not spill the contents of the tube. If the contents of the tube are spilled, use a new Aptima Multitest Swab Specimen Collection Kit. 

Immediately place the swab into the transport tube so that the score line is at the top of the tube. Carefully break the swab shaft at the score line against the side of the tube. Immediately discard the top portion of the swab shaft. Tightly screw the cap onto the tube.

Storage Instructions

Maintain specimen at room temperature or refrigerate (2°C to 30°C).

Causes for Rejection

Inappropriate transport conditions; bacterial swabs; swabs from sites other than rectal sources; unlabeled specimens or those with a discrepancy between the specimen label and the test request form; Aptima® swab transport tube with no swab or multiple swabs; swab not supplied by Hologic; Aptima® swabs greater than 60 days from collection; any transport device other an Aptima® swab transport

Inappropriate transport conditions; bacterial swabs; swabs from sites other than pharyngeal; unlabeled specimens or those with a discrepancy between the specimen label and the request form; Aptima swab transport tube with no swabs, two swabs or swab not supplied by GenProbe; Aptima swabs greater than 60 days from collection; any transport device other than an Aptima swab transport

Inappropriate transport conditions; bacterial swabs; swabs from sites other than rectal sources; unlabeled specimens or those with a discrepancy between the specimen label and the test request form; Aptima® swab transport tube with no swab or multiple swabs; swab not supplied by Hologic; Aptima® swabs greater than 60 days from collection; any transport device other an Aptima® swab transport

References

Kent CK, Chaw JK, Wong W, et al. Prevalence of rectal, urethral, and pharyngeal Chlamydia and gonorrhea detected in 2 clinical settings among men who have sex with men: San Francisco, Calif, 2003. Clin Infect Dis. 2005; 41(1):67-74. 15937765

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
188706 Ct NAA, Rectal 57287-5 188608 C. trachomatis, NAA, Rectal 80363-5
188706 Ct NAA, Rectal 57287-5 019054 PDF 11502-2
Order Code188706
Order Code NameCt NAA, Rectal
Order Loinc57287-5
Result Code188608
Result Code NameC. trachomatis, NAA, Rectal
UofM
Result LOINC80363-5
Order Code188706
Order Code NameCt NAA, Rectal
Order Loinc57287-5
Result Code019054
Result Code NamePDF
UofM
Result LOINC11502-2