Test Code WETM Wet Mount (Direct Saline Mount)
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Vaginal discharge, urethral discharge, penile discharge, urethral-mucosa scrapings, or first-voided urine with or without prostate massage
Container / Tube: Rayon or Dacron swab in a small amount of 0.85% saline (discharge) or sterile container (urine)
CPT Code
87210: Smear, wet mount for infectious agents
Special Instructions
Maintain specimens at room temperature. Refrigeration inhibits the motility of Trichomonas vaginalis and has deleterious effects on the organisms. Returning the specimen to room temperature will not reverse these deleterious morphological changes.
Any specimen more than 2 hours old will be rejected.
Testing Schedule
Days Performed: Monday through Sunday
Times Performed: All shifts, 24 hours a day
Turn-around Time: 30 minutes