Stability study on specimens mailed to a state laboratory and tested with the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay for chlamydia

Background: Although specimen collection is acknowledged to be a critical f actor in the testing of chlamydia, rarely do studies examine the effects of specimen transport on laboratory results. Goal: To compare the results on specimens shipped in a controlled environme nt with duplicate specimens exposed to environmental conditions such as hea t or extended time in transit. Study Design: Duplicate specimens were collected from 1,017 women tested at South Carolina public health clinics. One specimen from each woman was shi pped by courier and the other by U.S. mail. The results, swab collected fir st, method of transport, and temperature during shipment were compared for each set of specimens. Specimens were tested with the Gen-Probe PACE 2 test . Results and Conclusions: Mailed specimens were exposed to longer transport times and elevated temperatures; despite this, 99% of the results using cou rier specimens agreed with the mailed specimen results. Eighty-eight women tested positive and 891 women tested negative for chlamydia on both specime ns, When the 11 specimens with discrepant results were retested by polymera se chain reaction, 10 were positive for chlamydia, with 9 concurring with t he mailed specimen results. Results of specimens in this study were not adv ersely affected by heat and extended transit times when transported by U.S. Mail.