Neisseria gonorrhoeae culture

This test detects a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea) from a culture of certain body fluids or tissues. This test is used when an infection with gonorrhea is suspected. A sample of endocervical cells, vaginal cells or discharge, urethral cells or discharge, anal cells, throat cells, or eye discharge may be collected for this test. If a widespread infection of gonorrhea is suspected, a sample of venous blood, synovial fluid or other body fluid or tissues may be collected.

Laboratory tests may be done for many reasons. Tests are performed for routine health screenings or if a disease or toxicity is suspected. Lab tests may be used to determine if a medical condition is improving or worsening. Lab tests may also be used to measure the success or failure of a medication or treatment plan. Lab tests may be ordered for professional or legal reasons. You may need this test if you have:

• Gonorrhea

Endocervical cells:

Written consent will be required for endocervical sampling. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form.

Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. If possible, schedule the procedure one week after your menstrual period. Do not douche or have sexual intercourse for 24 hours before the procedure.

You may be asked to urinate prior to your endocervical sampling. This will make it easier for the healthcare worker to see your cervical canal during the procedure and may make the procedure more comfortable for you.

Vaginal cells/discharge:

Ask the healthcare worker for information about how to prepare for this test.

Urethral cells/discharge:

Before collection of urethral cells and/or urethral discharge for this test, you should not urinate during the hour prior to the test. This is because urine may minimize or clear your urethra (the tube that drains urine) of any organisms (germs), thus affecting the results of this test.

Anal cells:

Ask the healthcare worker for information about how to prepare for this test.

Throat cells/mucus:

Ask the healthcare worker for information about how to prepare for this test.

Eye discharge:

Ask the healthcare worker for information about how to prepare for this test.

Venous blood:

Before having blood collected, tell the person drawing your blood if you are allergic to latex. Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. Also tell the healthcare worker if you have felt nauseated, lightheaded, or have fainted while having blood drawn in the past.

Synovial fluid:

An arthrocentesis is a procedure that requires written consent. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form.

Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics. Blood tests may need to be done before an arthrocentesis.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Ask your healthcare worker for information about how to prepare for this test. If you have questions or concerns about the preparation for this test, talk to the healthcare worker.

A sample of endocervical cells, vaginal cells or discharge, urethral cells or discharge, anal cells, throat cells, eye discharge, venous blood, synovial fluid, or other body fluid or tissues may be collected for this test.

Endocervical cells:

For an endocervical sampling, you will be asked to lie on your back with your legs spread and feet placed in stirrups. A speculum will be inserted into your vagina. This tool is used to gently spread apart your vagina. A small brush is inserted into the endocervical canal and rotated. This is done to collect cells. Once a sufficient sample is collected, the brush is removed. The sample off the brush is then sent for testing.

Vaginal cells/discharge:

A vaginal swab is done to collect a sample from the lower part of your vagina. You will be asked to lie on your back with your legs spread and feet placed on stirrups. A special kind of swab will be inserted into your lower vagina or just near the entrance of the vagina. The swab will be rotated gently and then remain still for a few seconds before it is removed. This is done make sure enough secretions have been collected for the test. The sample is then sent for testing.

Urethral cells/discharge:

A urethral culture procedure is used to collect cells samples and/or urethral discharge. This test is usually done on males only. For this procedure, you will be asked to lie on your back. The tip of the penis will be cleaned. A special thin swab will be inserted into the urethra. The swab will gently be twisted side to side and then remain still for a few seconds before it is removed. This is to allow the swab to absorb enough fluid to be cultured. It may be possible to get a sample by “milking” the urethra for discharge. Ask the healthcare worker if this is an appropriate option.

Anal cells:

An anal swab is done to collect a sample from your rear end. You may be asked to lie on your back with your legs spread and feet placed in stirrups. A special kind of swab will be inserted an inch into your rear end. The swab will be rotated gently before it is removed. The sample is then sent for testing.

Throat cells/mucus:

A throat culture is done to collect mucus and cells from the back of your throat. For a throat culture, you will need to open your mouth wide. The person doing the test will use a long, sterile cotton swab to swab the back of your throat, near your tonsils. The swab may be rubbed several times to obtain the sample. Do not close your mouth when the sample is being collected. After the sample has been collected, the swab will be taken out and tested.

Eye discharge:

The most common way this test is done is with a sterile moistened swab. The swab will be wiped over the surface of your eye or the inside of your eyelid. The swab will collect any pus or drainage.

Venous blood:

When a blood sample from a vein is needed, a vein in your arm is usually selected. A tourniquet (large rubber strap) may be secured above the vein. The skin over the vein will be cleaned, and a needle will be inserted. You will be asked to hold very still while your blood is collected. Blood will be collected into one or more tubes, and the tourniquet will be removed. When enough blood has been collected, the healthcare worker will take the needle out.

Synovial fluid:

Synovial fluid is the fluid around the joints. A synovial fluid sample is obtained by a procedure called an arthrocentesis. The skin over the joint will be cleaned, and a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tissue at the insertion site. A needle will be inserted into the space around the joint, and fluid collected into a syringe. After enough synovial fluid has been collected, the needle will be removed.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Methods used to collect other body fluids or tissue samples may vary. Ask the healthcare worker to explain how this sample may be collected. If you have questions or concerns about this test, talk to the healthcare worker.

The amount of discomfort you feel will depend on many factors, including your sensitivity to pain. Communicate how you are feeling with the person doing the procedure. Inform the person doing the procedure if you feel that you cannot continue with the procedure.

Endocervical cells:

You may feel mild discomfort, cramping, or pain during an endocervical sampling.

Vaginal cells/discharge:

During a vaginal swab, you may feel discomfort when the swab moves in your vagina.

Urethral cells/discharge:

A urethral culture generally takes less than a minute. However, you may feel discomfort when the swab moves in the urethra.

Anal cells:

During an anal swab, you may feel discomfort when the swab moves in your rear end.

Throat cells/mucus:

During a throat culture, you may feel mild discomfort at the back of your throat when the sample is collected. You may feel like gagging or coughing. You may have a mild sore throat briefly after the procedure.

Eye discharge:

During an eye culture, you may feel mild eyelid discomfort when the sample is collected. No anesthetic (numbing or pain medicine) is used for this test. Ask the healthcare worker what to expect during this test..

Venous blood:

During a blood draw, you may feel mild discomfort at the location where the blood sample is being collected.

Synovial fluid:

During an arthrocentesis, a local anesthetic is given to numb the procedure area. You may feel mild discomfort or stinging when the numbing medicine is injected. You may feel pressure or discomfort during the procedure. Brief pain may be felt as the needle passes through the joint membrane. Your procedure site may be sore for several days.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. This test may feel different depending on many factors, including the sample needed and how it is collected. Ask the healthcare worker what to expect during this test.

Endocervical cells:

After endocervical sampling, you may experience some light spotting (mild, occasional bleeding from the vagina). Generally, there are no activity restrictions after this procedure.

Vaginal cells/discharge:

There are no special instructions to follow after this test.

Urethral cells/discharge:

After a sample has been collected, avoid all sexual activities until you receive your results and speak to your healthcare worker.

Anal cells:

There are no special instructions to follow after this test.

Throat cells/mucus:

There are no special instructions to follow after this test.

Eye discharge:

Ask the healthcare worker to instruct you on what to expect after this test is completed. If you have questions or concerns about what to expect after the test is completed, talk to the healthcare worker.

Venous blood:

After a blood sample is collected from your vein, a bandage, cotton ball, or gauze may be placed on the area where the needle was inserted. You may be asked to apply pressure to the area. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after your blood draw. Contact your healthcare worker if you feel pain or see redness, swelling, or discharge from the puncture site.

Synovial fluid:

You will be given instructions for how to care for your bandage and the signs and symptoms of infection to watch for. Contact your healthcare worker if you have a fever or increased pain, and if you see increasing redness, swelling, or pus at the procedure site.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Instructions for what to do after a collection of other body fluid or tissue samples may vary. Ask the healthcare worker to instruct you on what to expect after this test is completed. If you have questions or concerns about what to expect after the test is completed, talk to the healthcare worker.

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.