Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae RNA-TMA

Description: 
The Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) assays are in vitro nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) for the qualitative detection or ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from CT and GC. They are intended for the use as an aid in the diagnosis of both CT and GC in male and female patients. Samples include vaginal, cervical urethral, rectal, throat, and eye swabs as well as urine and "3in1" samples. All GC positive and equivocal samples are confirmed with a second specific assay. This assay is available routinely Mon to Fri.
Related condition or disease: 
Chlamydia, gonorrhoeae
Reference range: 

Not applicable

Units: 
Qualitative - Detected/Not Detected
Department: 
Infection Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Vaginal, cervical, urethral, rectal, throat, and eye Swabs and urine. A "3in1" sample (throat and rectal swabs combined with urine) can also be tested. All samples must be collected using the appropriate Aptima collection kit containing either swab or urine. Urine samples must be filled between the black lines on the Aptima urine tube. For swabs place only the sample swab into the Aptima swab tube, NOT the cleaning swab. Avoid piercing the aluminium sample caps as these need to be intact prior to analyser piercing to prevent sample contamination.
Turnaround time: 
3 working days
Special sample instructions: 

To collect "3in1" samples, place both rectal and throat swabs into a yellow Aptima urine tube and express the swabs into the liquid. Remove and discard BOTH swabs. Next, add the urine into the same yellow Aptima urine tube, filling to BETWEEN the black lines.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). Note: Samples DO NOT require refrigeration.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Virology Laboratory at St Thomas'

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Last updated: 06/10/2023