Select a test and specimen that fit the presentation or appropriate screening question.
The clinical question
Collection sites and targets are not interchangeable; redundant panels are not presumed necessary.
What to discuss next
Ask about the specific indication, intended scope, responsible clinician or laboratory, and the availability of the pathway. The team must confirm arrangements before care or testing can be planned.
These linked method descriptions explain their specimen, analytical scope and limits. The status of a method and the availability of a service are separate considerations.
sexual-health-molecular / Molecular diagnostics
Women’s health & STI molecular pathways
Planned
Separate, clinician-directed tests selected for the actual question rather than a mandatory bundled panel.
Question
Which targeted infection test is appropriate for the clinical presentation and specimen site?
Specimen
Assay-specific urine or swab type and anatomic site
Preparation
The correct collection kit, specimen site and timing are method-specific and will be supplied with the approved test.
Platform
Targeted nucleic-acid amplification
Analytical scope
Specified pathogen targets according to the released assay
Interpretation limits
Different assays and specimen sites have different validated uses. A negative result outside the appropriate collection context may not resolve the question.