As noted in a previous broadcast, the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory has recently adopted a new PCR-based method for direct detection of Chlamydia trachomatis from selected specimens of the genitourinary tract.

This change in testing dictates two changes in the specimen transport system. Swab specimens should be collected in the Viral/Chlamydia transport kit available from Hospital stores (MH08379) and the swabs are to BE LEFT IN the transport media. All specimens should be transported to the laboratory on ice immediately after collection.

Effective March 1, 2000, the previous Viral/Chlamydia transport kit (MH07888) will no longer be accepted for Chlamydia PCR testing.

Please contact the Clinical Virology Laboratory (4-9568) or Dr. Gary Doern (6-8616) if there are any questions.