NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE CULTURE

Most routine specimens sent in for gonorrhoeae (GC) are tested using a Nucelic Acid Amplification Test technology (See NAAT Testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae).  Specimens may also be cultured and submitted on Thayer-Martin plates. These should be incubated for 24 hours at 35 °C before being shipped. Note the hours of incubation on the Bacti requisition slip submitted with the sample.

We do not recommend cultures EXCEPT in cases of child abuse, court cases, test of cure, or penicillin resistance. Cultures will be tested for beta-lactamase production and also resistance to penicillin. In cases where cultures are penicillin resistant, the provider should contact the STD Program at (307) 777-7953 to determine the next course of action. The survival of cultures through the mail, especially in the winter, is very poor.

Test Performed
Identification of isolates is confirmed by fluorescent antibody, and sugar confirmation by using Quadferm.

Specimen Requirements
Please indicate the collection site on the submission form.  Only the following specimens are acceptable for culture

• vaginal
• cervical
• urethral
• rectal
• pharyngeal
• conjunctival

Shipment
1. Specimens that are being submitted on modified Thayer-Martin plates after 24 hours of incubation in-house should be padded or placed in a crush-proof container to prevent them from being broken open in the mail.
2. Ship as diagnostic specimens

Criteria for Rejection
1. Non-viable culture: frozen, old, etc.
2. Overgrown, usually with yeast.

Reporting/Interpretation
1. Negative Culture specimens will be reported as "N. gonorrhoeae not found"
2. Positive Cultures will be reported as "Confirmed N. gonorrhoeae"
Beta lactamase production is checked and reported as Beta lactamase positive or negative. Beta lactamase is the enzyme that breaks down the penicillin and renders it inactive as a drug of choice.