Used for the diagnosis of gonorrhea.

The term "gonorrhea" is used for any infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.  It is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease in the United States.  Most of these infections are in the genital area (e.g., urethritis, cervicitis), but rectal and pharyngeal gonorrhea are also seen.  It can also disseminate and cause arthritis, cutaneous lesions, and even endocarditis.  The infection usually causes inflammation and symptoms; it can also be asymptomatic.

Although all genital specimens should be screened for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the preferred sites for culturing are the cervix of the female and the urethra of the male.  When indicated, throat, rectal, or other specimens may also be submitted for culture.

False negatives may occur if the specimen is delayed in transport or collected post-antimicrobial therapy.

All non-urogenital specimens should be submitted for culture instead of the Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, DNA Amplification (LAB6166) test. 

Culture is the only legally accepted detection method in sexual abuse cases.

Aerobic culture and identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from appropriate specimen types.  

NOTE:  Routine culture techniques used for sterile specimens (e.g., CULTURE BACTERIA BLOOD, and CULTURE BACTERIA BODY FLD for joint fluid) include recovery of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the case of disseminated disease provided specimens are delivered to the laboratory in a timely manner (30 minutes of collection).

Collection Devices and Collection Instructions use this link: https://prodduke.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/MicrobiologySharepoint/EQnBwGmREp1KoDsuH1bPufwB39j6Aw9SBVADY2kUp3-caQ?e=8M6tyn