if a woman is being examined an endocervical swab should be used for Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) testing for gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia
if gonorrhoea is suspected an additional endocervical swab should be taken for microscopy, culture and sensitivity
facilities for direct plating of samples for N. gonorrhoeae culture are not usually available in primary care, but transport medium (e.g. charcoal swab) gives acceptable results if plated immediately in the laboratory
if sending swabs to the laboratory in transport medium they should be stored at 4ºC as soon as possible and transported to the laboratory ideally within 48 hours. Fluctuations in temperature should be avoided during transit.
Reference:
1) FSRH and BASHH Guidance (February 2012) Management of Vaginal Discharge in Non-Genitourinary Medicine Settings
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