Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pharyngeal Swab, NAA

Use the blue-shafted swab, labeled “unisex collection swab for endocervical and male urethral specimens,” to rub the posterior pharynx and tonsillar areas. 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 throat ensuring contact with bilateral tonsils (if present) and the posterior pharyngeal wall, then withdraw the swab without touching the inside of the cheeks or tongue. 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.