Collection:

SPECIMEN:

- Abscess or Wound (specify source/type):  Collect from margin of leading edge of wound.

- CSF or other CNS fluids.  Specify if CSF is shunt fluid on request card.

- Catheter IV tip (specify source/type):  Aseptically remove catheter, cut off 5 cm distal tip, and place directly into sterile container.

- Cornea or Corneal Lesions:  Inoculate directly to media.

- Aqueous or Vitreous Humor:  Send capped syringe (without needle) or inoculate directly to media.

- Respiratory Specimen:  Submit sputum, endotracheal, tracheal aspirate, bronchial brushings, BAL secretions, washings, or biopsies.

- Sterile body fluid (specify source/type):  Submit sterile container or capped syringe (without needle).  

     NOTE:  If submitted in blood culture bottles, order LAB2101 Sterile Body Fluids culture.

- Tissue or Organ Biopsy (specify source/type):  Submit sterile container.

CONTAINER / VOLUME:

- Abscess or Wound:  1 mL minimum - sterile container (aspirate preferable) or 2 E-swabs.

- CSF:  1 mL, Minimum 0.5 mL, sterile container or CSF Tube (usually #3)

- Respiratory Specimen:  Minimum 5 ml, sterile container

- Sterile Body Fluids:  5 mL; Minimum 1 mL, sterile container

- Tissue or Organ Biopsy:  1-gram minimum, sterile container

UNACCEPTABLE/REJECTED SPECIMENS:

- Specimens in bacteriostatic saline, saline with preservatives or formalin.

- Dried-out specimens, or specimens >2 hrs old.

- Sputum if gram stain results show >25 squamous epithelial cells per low power field.

- Endotracheal aspirate from patients ≥2 yrs old, if gram stain results show >10 squamous epithelial cells per low power field or no bacteria seen.

- Decubitus ulcers (except biopsy of margin of leading edge).

- Foley and other bladder catheter tips.