Test Directory

Test Code
CTTMA
Test Name
Chlamydia trachomatis by Transcription-Mediated Amplification
CPT Codes
87491
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 3 days
Clinical Utility

This test is intended for assessment of sexually transmitted infections only and is not valid for the evaluation of suspected sexual abuse or for other forensic purposes. 

Specimen and Container Info

Specimen

Containers

Volume

Vaginal

Aptima MultiTest Swab

-

Endocervical

Aptima Unisex Swab; ThinPrep

Thin Prep 3 mL

Male Urethral

Aptima Unisex Swab

-

Urine

Sterile Urine Cup; Aptima Urine Specimen Transport Tube

Urine 3 mL

Oral / Throat

Aptima MultiTest Swab

-

Rectal

Aptima MutliTest Swab

-

Collection Instructions
  • Aptima Unisex Swab (White/Purple Label) Collection kit comes with 2 swabs. Use the white swab to remove mucous from the cervical os and discard. Use the blue swab to collect specimens from the cervix or male urethra.
  • Urine collection must be first-catch collection into a sterile container.
Processing and Submission Instructions
  • Urine: First-catch sample collected in sterile container and send to laboratory within 24 hours of collection or collect in sterile container and transfer to Aptima Urine Specimen Transport Tube within 24 hours of collection. The correct volume of urine is added to the tube when the fluid level is between the black lines on the tube label.
  • Same specimen can be used for Neisseria gonorrhea, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium testing.
Patient Preparation
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory at room temperature or refrigerated. 

Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

Aptima MultiTest or Unisex Swab: 2 Months; Aptima Urine Specimen Transport Tube: 30 Days; Sterile Urine Cup: 24 Hours; ThinPrep: 30 Days

Refrigerated

Aptima MultiTest or Unisex Swab: 2 Months; Aptima Urine Specimen Transport Tube: 30 Days; Sterile Urine Cup: 24 Hours; ThinPrep: 30 Days

Frozen

Aptima MultiTest or Unisex Swab: 1Year; Aptima Urine Specimen Transport Tube: 1 Year; Aptima Specimen Transfer Tube: 1 Year
Causes for Rejection
  • Any specimen with leakage on the outside of the container will be rejected. Ensure the lid is tightly closed.
  • Collection in an eSwab tube will be rejected.
  • Any specimen collected in an outdated collection tube will be rejected.
  • Large white swabs included in Aptima Unisex Swab Specimen Collection kit is for preparatory cleaning and is unacceptable for testing. If present in the tube, the sample will be rejected.
  • Specimens in swab transport media without a swab will be rejected.
Methodology
Transcription Mediated Amplification (TMA)
Reference Intervals

Chlamydia trachomatis Not Detected

Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • Chlamydia trachomatis, PCR
  • Chlamydia, PCR
Testing Schedule
Routine, Monday - Friday no holidays