Chlamydia trachomatis – Culture

Preparation Prior to Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection, and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C after collection and shipped on ice. Transport to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Specimens should be received at the testing laboratory within 48 hours of collection; this is especially important for neonatal and paediatric specimens. In situations of delayed transportation, specimens should be frozen at -70°C and transported on dry ice. Do not freeze sample at -20°C.

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Chlamydia trachomatis specimens are tested 3 times per week.

Turnaround time is up to 7 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

Critical positive reports (results from body fluids/aspirates, tissues, CSF or specimens from pregnant patients, infants, pre-pubertal children, i.e. ≤ 12 years and medico-legal specimens, i.e. pre-pubertal children, sexual abuse in peri-pubertal and pre-pubertal children, sexual assault and legal cases) are phoned and faxed if the client is registered for auto fax. 

Other positives are only faxed if client is registered for auto fax.

Specimens that are positive for Chlamydia trachomatis are reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per the Health Protection and Promotion Act.  

Specimens are tested using standard cell culture technique.

Interpretation

Results may be interpreted as positive, negative or toxic. 

Toxicity may occur for various reasons including antibiotic therapy or high specimen pH and retesting may be required.