Lab Test

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Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA, Conjunctiva

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1231872, Beaker: CHLAMYDIA TR, Quest: 13525

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: 1 conjunctival swab in universal transport media (UTM) or Aptima Transport Tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain swab at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: swab at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F).

Rejection Criteria

  • Specimen not collected and processed as indicated.
  • Transport tube with 2 swabs.
  • Aptima transport tube with non-Aptima swab.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain swab at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F). 

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

UTM
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Aptima Transport Tube
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 30 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 30 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Monday – Sunday
Results available in 2-4 days.

Reference Range

Chlamydia trachomatis RNA, TMA, Conjunctiva      Not Detected.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA, Conjunctiva       Not Detected.

Test Methodology

Transcription -Mediated Amplification (TMA)

Interpretation

A Not Detected (negative) result means that C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae RNA was not present in the specimen above the limit of detection. A negative result does not rule out the possibility of infection and should not be used as the sole basis for patient management decisions.

Clinical Utility

Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA, Conjunctiva - This assay is intended for the qualitative detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in ocular (conjunctival) specimens from patients suspected of having infectious conjunctivitis caused by C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae. It does not detect Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) pneumoniae or other Chlamydia species.

C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae are two of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infections, and both organisms can cause infectious conjunctivitis. Newborns are especially at risk for C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae conjunctivitis if born to a mother with a genital infection.

Symptoms of C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae conjunctivitis may include eye redness, eye lid swelling, and discharge. Symptoms in newborns infected at birth typically appear within two weeks.

CPT Codes

87591, 87491.

Contacts

Last Updated

11/19/2025

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