Haemophilus ducreyi Isolation and Identification

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure Number: MAA0012A

Synonym(s):  Chancroid, genital ulcer, genital lesion, STD, STI, necrotic, bubo, lymph gland
Requisition Form G-2B
Test Description Isolation of Haemophilus ducreyi from genital lesions or abscess and identification via conventional biochemical methods.  
Pre-Approval Needed N/A
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Human 
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing Swab or scraping from base of lesion/ulcer or under scab; Abscess aspirate genital lesion, urethral swabs, aspirates from buboes
Minimum Volume/Size Required N/A
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping
  • Store at 2–8°C until shipment.  
  • Ship to DSHS Laboratory within 24 hours of collection. 
Transport Medium Amies transport medium
Specimen Labeling
  • At least two patient identifiers required on specimen (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number). 
  • Three patient identifiers are preferred 
  • Patient identifiers on specimen label must exactly match identifiers on submission form. (e.g., abbreviated name on label and full name on form is not acceptable.)
  • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship refrigerated at 2–8°C on cold packs for overnight delivery to Laboratory. 
  • Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
  • Category B Biological Substance, UN3373 shipping requirements apply.
  • Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions. 
  • Triple-contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations. 
  • Submitters are responsible for packaging and shipping specimens according to regulatory requirements. 
  • Laboratory does not supply collection kits or shipping material
  • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen shipping guidelines online here
Method

Culture with reflex to Conventional biochemical identification
Turn-around Time

5–15 days 
Interferences/Limitations

Specimen should be taken prior to antimicrobial therapy. 
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Incorrect specimen collection or submission methods 
  • Mismatch(es) between patient identifiers on G-2B submission form and specimen label
  • Incorrect storage conditions (Specimen must be shipped refrigerated on ice packs. Ambient temperature specimens are not acceptable
  • Expired reagents/media/collection container
  • Discrepancies between G-2B submission form and specimen label
  • Missing/incomplete/illegible submission form
Additional Information Intact bubo aspirates are rarely positive for H. ducreyi. Ruptured buboes are more likely to yield organisms.