Ordering Recommendation

Preferred test for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis in variety of specimens. This test does not include confirmation of positive results by an alternative nucleic acid target. If confirmation of positive results by an alternative nucleic acid target is required, refer to Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CTNG) by Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA) with Reflex to CT/NG Confirmation (2011164).

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation

ThinPrep Collection: Patient must be 14 years of age or older.

Collect

Vaginal, throat, eye, or rectal specimen collected with pink swab from Aptima MultiTest Swab Specimen Collection kit (ARUP supply #65761 single collection kit or #55224 pack of 50 collection kits) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect(TM) or contact ARUP Client Services at 800-522-2787.
Also acceptable: Cervical, eye, or male urethral specimen collected with blue swab from Aptima Unisex Swab Specimen Collection kit (ARUP supply #65759 single collection kit or #28907 pack of 50 collection kits), first-catch urine in sterile container then transferred to Aptima urine tube or cervical brush in ThinPrep Pap Test Collection Kit.
Refer to "Sample Collection for the Diagnosis of STD" under Specimen Handling at www.aruplab.com for specific specimen collection and transport instructions.

Specimen Preparation

Swab: Place swab in swab specimen transport tube, break shaft off at scoreline, then recap tube.
Urine: Transfer 2 mL urine within 24 hours to Aptima Urine Specimen Transport Tube (ARUP supply #65760 single collection kit or #28908 pack of 50 collection kits). Liquid level must be between fill lines on tube.
ThinPrep: Vortex ThinPrep PreservCyt solution and transfer 1 mL to an Aptima Specimen Transfer Tube (ARUP supply #42711) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect(TM) or contact ARUP Client Services at 800-522-2787. To reduce the potential for contamination, ThinPrep specimens should be poured off, using sterile technique, into the Aptima Specimen Transfer Tube prior to cytology testing.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Large white swab included in Aptima Unisex Swab Specimen Collection kit is for preparatory cleaning of the endocervix and is unacceptable for testing. Specimens in any transport media other than indicated above. Specimens in swab transport media without a swab.

Remarks

Specimen source is required.

Stability

MultiTest or Unisex Swab: Ambient: 2 months; Refrigerated: 2 months; Frozen: 1 year
Aptima Urine Specimen Transport Tube: Ambient: 1 month; Refrigerated: 1 month; Frozen: 3 months
Aptima Specimen Transfer Tube: Ambient: 2 weeks; Refrigerated: 1 month; Frozen: 1 year
ThinPrep: Ambient: 1 month; Refrigerated: 1 month; Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology

Qualitative Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA)

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

1-4 days

Reference Interval

Interpretive Data

This test is intended for medical purposes only and is not valid for the evaluation of suspected sexual abuse or for other forensic purposes. In certain contexts, culture may be required to meet applicable laws and regulations for diagnosis of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections. Per 2014 CDC recommendations, this test does not include confirmation of positive results by an alternative nucleic acid target.

Compliance Category

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

87491

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
0060243 C. trachomatis by TMA 43304-5
0060755 APTIMA Media Type 74384-9
2005507 Specimen Source 31208-2
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • Chlamydia PCR
  • CT PCR
  • NAA
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)
Chlamydia trachomatis by Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA)