Chlamydia trachomatis - Culture

Culture of C. trachomatis
Microbiology
Bacteriology
○ Genital and non-genital swabs (rectal, throat, conjunctival) ○ Tissue ○ Neonatal – fluid from auger suction, transtracheal/NP aspirates, conjunctival swabs
Other Information
○ Urine and seminal fluid are not acceptable specimen sites for C. trachomatis culture.
○ For N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis PCR, see N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis detection
○ Swabs: universal transport medium (UTM)
○ Tissue/fluids: sterile container (1mL of fluid ideally)

Swabs
○ Collect specimen from areas indicated based on clinical presentation and previous history, rotate swab several times to collect any discharge if present. Place swabs in UTM. If N. gonorrhoeae culture is requested, place each swab in a separate Amies transport medium.
Biopsy tissue:
○ Collect 5-10 mm3 tissue aseptically using surgical technique. Place in a clean, sterile container with a small amount of sterile saline to prevent drying.

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ Up to 7 days from receipt by PHOL
416-586-4800 extension 4470
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Transport specimens to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) ASAP after collection.

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing