Collection Instructions

Specimen Type: Genital (cervical, penile, urethral, vaginal), ocular (eye), oral, rectal, or throat

• Corewell Health West (CHW) locations preferred collection container, eswab is also acceptable (see below "eswab" for collection instructions)
• Corewell Health West: Obtained from Microbiology Refrigerator; Off-Site locations please use the supply form and write in "InTray GC media".
• Corewell Health South: InTray GC media container is unacceptable for Corewell Health South (CHS) locations.

Collection Instructions GC media:

• Video: BioMed: How to Use: 2" InTray^TM GC
• Allow the InTray^TM to warm to room temperature (Note: InTray should be stored refrigerated (2-25^oC))
• Manually pull the lower right corner (adjacent to the clear window) back so that the protective seal is completely visible.
• Remove the seal by pulling the tab and discard. (Do not remove the white filter strip over the vent hole)
• Inoculate the specimen by rolling the sample swab on the surface of the medium in a large “C” pattern for maximum transfer. For isolated colonies, Cross-streak with the sterile inoculation tool.
• Before incubation, puncture the seal over the CO2 Chamber with the pointed objected.
  • Poke a small pinhole ONLY.
• FIRMLY RESEAL the InTray™ by pressing the edges of the label and the plastic tray together.
• Complete the label with patient information.
• NOTE: After inoculation, open the InTray™ only in the performing laboratory.

• Do not refrigerate. Transport to lab immediately (within 5 hours of collection)

Specimen Transport Temperature: Ambient

Collection Instructions Eswab:

• Indicate source of specimen.
• Specimen is unacceptable if received without fluid or swab in the transport tube.

1. Open the peel pouch and remove the contents. Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the ESwab.

2. Place the tube in a secure position so as not to allow the liquid to leak out of the tube.

3. Remove the swab. Collect the patient's sample using the swab. 

4. Insert the swab back into the tube of liquid, all the way to the bottom of the tube.

5. Holding the swab shaft close to the rim of the tube, break the applicator shaft at the color breakpoint indication line.

6. Screw the cap on tightly to prevent leakage. Discard the broken handle of the shaft into an approved medical waste disposal container.

7. Write the patient's information (Name and Date of Birth) on the tube or apply a label with patient’s information. Indicate source.

8. Send specimen to the Laboratory as soon as possible.

Specimen Transport Temperature: Ambient (Do not refrigerate)