CHLAMYDIA CULTURE
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Available Stat? | No |
| Test code | CHLI |
| Performed by? | Microbiology (Chlamydia) |
| Sendout? | no |
| Price range | $ |
| In House Availability | Specimens may be collected at any time and refrigerated until transported to the lab (within 72 hours of collection). Specimens are processed Monday through Friday in the Chlamydia Lab (Bldg. 30, Room 413) |
| Principle | Specimens are inoculated into 1 dram shell vials containing McCoy cell monolayers. After appropriate incubation, the cells are stained with iodine or fluorescein conjugated monoclonal antibody and microscopically scanned to look for characteristic chlamydial inclusions. A second passage into a new McCoy cell monolayer is also performed for each specimen. |
| Interpretation | The detection of chlamydial inclusions (positive result) is indicative of disease, and treatment should be instituted. A negative result may indicate the absence of chlamydia or may be due to improper specimen collection and/or transport or small numbers of the organism which were not detected. A result of cytopathic effect (CPE) is reported when the McCoy cell monolayer is destroyed because of toxicity due to improper specimen collection or the presence of bacteria and/or yeast. Results of cultures which are positive for chlamydia are phoned directly to the clinician. Final reports are generally available within 7 to 10 days after receipt of specimen in chlamydia lab. |
| Container type | Universal viral transport medium for viruses and chlamydia is available from Lab Support Services (206-8199). Collection kits include swabs and a tube of transport medium |
| Collection Instructions | Collect specimens for Chlamydia culture using the universal viral transport medium for viruses and chlamydia available from Lab Support Services (206-8199). Collection kits include swabs and a tube of transport medium. DO NOT collect specimens for culture with Gen-Probe Aptima (molecular test) swabs. DO NOT use wooden-shafted swabs as they are toxic to chlamydia. Clean away mucus or discharge before collecting specimen. Collect specimen with a swab provided in the package. For cervical specimens from non-pregnant women, collection of specimen with cytobrush is preferred. Satisfactory specimens must contain cells. Place all specimens in tube of transport medium. Close cap on transport tube tightly, and refrigerate tube until delivered to laboratory. |
| Sample type | Swab, biopsies or bronchial lavage (for C. pneumoniae ) |
| Special instructions | For information on specimen appropriateness or specimen handling, call the Microbiology Lab Medicine Resident (206-5699 or pager 443-1438) or the Chlamydia Lab (824-5115). |
| Stability | Chlamydia are stable in chlamydia transport medium for up to 72 hours at 4°C. |
| Additional information | (Note: Specimens which are obtained as part of funded research should be submitted with Chlamydia Request forms from Dr. Schachter's laboratory and should be sent directly to Bldg. 30, Room 413). |
| References | 1. Mardh, P-A, L Westrom, S Colleen, and P Wolner-Hanssen. Sampling, specimen handling, and isolation techniques in the diagnosis of chlamydial and other genital infections. Sex. Trans. Dis. 8:280-285. 1981. 2. Mahony, JB, BK Coombes and MA Chernesky. Chapter 63-Chlamydia and chlamydophila; as found in Murray PR et al. Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 8th ed. ASM Press. Washington, D.C. 2003. |
| Last Updated | 4/30/2011 10:48:57 AM |