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| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Fungal Culture
Test CodeLAB1294 1230101531
Alias/See Also
FUNGUS
FUNG
FUNG
CPT Codes
87102
Includes
FUNGUS CULTURE
Other Acceptable Specimens
| Cerebrospinal Fluid |
| Tissue |
| Body Fluid |
| Other |
| Swab |
| Sputum |
| Washing |
| Bronchoalveolar lavage |
| Induced Sputum |
| Expectorated Sputum |
| Bile |
| Brushing |
| Aspirate |
| Stool |
| Urine |
| Pleural Fluid |
| Peritoneal Fluid |
| Fine Needle Aspirate |
| Bone |
| Nail |
| Bone Marrow |
| Foreign Body |
| Hair |
| Synovial Fluid |
Instructions
Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Acceptable Specimens:
Abscess or aspirate material, body fluid, bone marrow, ear, eye, gastric, genital, respiratory, spinal fluid, stool, tissue, urine, or wound
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Abscess or Aspirate
1. Disinfect surface contamination.
2. Obtain specimen from abscess wall or deep wound by surgical means.
3. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
4. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Body Fluid
1. Aseptically collect 0.5 mL to 1 mL of body fluid per test requested in a screw-capped, sterile VACUTAINER®; or syringe (remove needle prior to transport). (Acid-Fast Bacilli studies require =2 mL for optimal testing.)
2. Label container/syringe with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
4. Synovial fluid may be submitted on a Culturette® swab (less desirable) if specimen volume is low. If necessary, entire bag of fluid can be submitted to laboratory.
Bone Marrow
Specimen will be collected by physician assisted by a cytotechnologist or histotechnologist.
1. 2 mL to 3 mL of bone marrow in a screw-capped, sterile VACUTAINER®.
2. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Ear
Tympanocentesis is reserved for complicated, recurrent or chronic otitis media.
Inner
Intact Eardrum
1. Cleanse ear canal with cleansing solution (soap solution) and dry.
2. Collect fluid using syringe aspiration technique.
3. Label container/syringe with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Ruptured Eardrum
1. Collect fluid using Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM via auditory speculum.
2. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
3. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Outer
1. Use moistened Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM swab to remove debris or crust from ear canal.
2. Swab outer canal firmly.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Eye
1. Moisten 2 Culturette® swabs with saline.
Sample 1 eye by touching 1 swab to involved area of conjunctiva.
2. Collect exudate.
3. Repeat using second swab on other eye.
4. Return swabs to tubes to ensure specimen preservation.
5. Label tubes with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Gastric Lavage or Wash
Refer to nursing unit instructions for collecting gastric lavage or wash.
1. Collect gastric wash or lavage at bedside in early-morning prior to eating or rising.
2. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Genital
Bartholin cyst
1. Disinfect skin prior to collection.
2. Aspirate fluid material using sterile syringe.
3. Label container/syringe with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Cervix
1. Do not use lubricant during collection procedure.
2. Remove mucous prior to collection of specimen.
3. Rotate Culturette® swab deeply into endocervical canal.
4. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Cul-de-sac
1. Obtain aspirate fluid using aseptic technique.
2. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Endometrium
1. Obtain transcervical aspirate via telescoping catheter or surgical biopsy.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Genital Lesion (Female)
1. Cleanse lesion with sterile saline.
2. Remove surface lesion with sterile scalpel blade.
3. Allow transudate to accumulate.
4. Collect exudate with sterile culture transport swab.
5. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Intrauterine Device
1. Submit intrauterine device, associated secretions, and pus in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Lesion (Male)
1. Cleanse lesion with sterile saline.
2. Remove surface of lesion with sterile scalpel blade.
3. Allow transudate to accumulate.
4. Collect exudate with sterile culture transport swab.
5. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Products of Conception
1. Submit tissue in screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Prostate
1. Cleanse glands with soap and water.
2. Massage prostate through rectum.
3. Collect fluid on Culturette® swab.
4. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Urethra/Discharge (Male)
1. Insert Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM swab into urethral lumen.
2. Rotate swab and leave in place for at least 2 seconds.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Urethra (Female)
1. Remove exudate from urethral opening.
2. Collect discharge material on Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM swab by massaging urethra against pubic symphysis through vagina.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Vagina
1. Wipe away excessive amount of secretion or discharge.
2. Swab secretions and mucous membranes of vagina with a Culturette® swab.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Respiratory
Nasal
1. Insert Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM swab approximately 1 inch into nares. Discard cap.
2. Rotate swab against nasal mucosa.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Throat
1. Head should be tilted back, tongue depressed (use tongue depressor), and area well exposed and illuminated.
2. Swab posterior pharynx , involved peritonsillar area (or “sore” spot indicated by patient) using using Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM swab.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Spinal Fluid
1. Collect 0.5 mL to 1 mL of spinal fluid using aseptic technique.
2. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile tube(s). (Acid-Fast Bacilli studies require =2 mL for optimum testing.)
3. Numbered tubes may be submitted to multiple departments (Chemistry, Hematology, and Microbiology).
4. Indicate tube number on request form for microbiology studies.
5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Stool
Collect specimen prior to administrating antidiarrheal medications and/or antibiotics.
1. =1 mL of fresh stool in a screw-capped, sterile container or modified Cary-Blair transport medium (transport medium not acceptable for Clostridium difficile toxin studies).
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Tissue
1. Fresh tissue without fixative in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. A moistened gauze pad of saline may be added to specimen to ensure specimen preservation.
3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Urine
1.Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
3. Forward non-preserved specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection at ambient temperature. If there is a delay in transport of >1 hour from collection, send specimen refrigerated. Urine transport kits (preserved specimen) can be forwarded at ambient temperature.
4. A first-morning urine specimen provides best yield for culture evaluation. Urine specimen for culture may not be as optimal (more dilute) if collected at other times.
5. Pediatric Bags are acceptable specimens
Wound
1. Cleanse wound margins with 70% alcohol.
2. Remove overlying debris.
3. Obtain specimen from abscess wall from deep wound or abscess material by surgical means.
4. Use Culturette® double swab to sample infected area. Do not touch surrounding area that may be contaminated with microorganisms.
5. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Acceptable Specimens:
Abscess or aspirate material, body fluid, bone marrow, ear, eye, gastric, genital, respiratory, spinal fluid, stool, tissue, urine, or wound
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Abscess or Aspirate
1. Disinfect surface contamination.
2. Obtain specimen from abscess wall or deep wound by surgical means.
3. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
4. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Body Fluid
1. Aseptically collect 0.5 mL to 1 mL of body fluid per test requested in a screw-capped, sterile VACUTAINER®; or syringe (remove needle prior to transport). (Acid-Fast Bacilli studies require =2 mL for optimal testing.)
2. Label container/syringe with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
4. Synovial fluid may be submitted on a Culturette® swab (less desirable) if specimen volume is low. If necessary, entire bag of fluid can be submitted to laboratory.
Bone Marrow
Specimen will be collected by physician assisted by a cytotechnologist or histotechnologist.
1. 2 mL to 3 mL of bone marrow in a screw-capped, sterile VACUTAINER®.
2. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Ear
Tympanocentesis is reserved for complicated, recurrent or chronic otitis media.
Inner
Intact Eardrum
1. Cleanse ear canal with cleansing solution (soap solution) and dry.
2. Collect fluid using syringe aspiration technique.
3. Label container/syringe with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Ruptured Eardrum
1. Collect fluid using Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM via auditory speculum.
2. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
3. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Outer
1. Use moistened Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM swab to remove debris or crust from ear canal.
2. Swab outer canal firmly.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Eye
1. Moisten 2 Culturette® swabs with saline.
Sample 1 eye by touching 1 swab to involved area of conjunctiva.
2. Collect exudate.
3. Repeat using second swab on other eye.
4. Return swabs to tubes to ensure specimen preservation.
5. Label tubes with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Gastric Lavage or Wash
Refer to nursing unit instructions for collecting gastric lavage or wash.
1. Collect gastric wash or lavage at bedside in early-morning prior to eating or rising.
2. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Genital
Bartholin cyst
1. Disinfect skin prior to collection.
2. Aspirate fluid material using sterile syringe.
3. Label container/syringe with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Cervix
1. Do not use lubricant during collection procedure.
2. Remove mucous prior to collection of specimen.
3. Rotate Culturette® swab deeply into endocervical canal.
4. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Cul-de-sac
1. Obtain aspirate fluid using aseptic technique.
2. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Endometrium
1. Obtain transcervical aspirate via telescoping catheter or surgical biopsy.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Genital Lesion (Female)
1. Cleanse lesion with sterile saline.
2. Remove surface lesion with sterile scalpel blade.
3. Allow transudate to accumulate.
4. Collect exudate with sterile culture transport swab.
5. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Intrauterine Device
1. Submit intrauterine device, associated secretions, and pus in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Lesion (Male)
1. Cleanse lesion with sterile saline.
2. Remove surface of lesion with sterile scalpel blade.
3. Allow transudate to accumulate.
4. Collect exudate with sterile culture transport swab.
5. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Products of Conception
1. Submit tissue in screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Prostate
1. Cleanse glands with soap and water.
2. Massage prostate through rectum.
3. Collect fluid on Culturette® swab.
4. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Urethra/Discharge (Male)
1. Insert Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM swab into urethral lumen.
2. Rotate swab and leave in place for at least 2 seconds.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Urethra (Female)
1. Remove exudate from urethral opening.
2. Collect discharge material on Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM swab by massaging urethra against pubic symphysis through vagina.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Vagina
1. Wipe away excessive amount of secretion or discharge.
2. Swab secretions and mucous membranes of vagina with a Culturette® swab.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Respiratory
Nasal
1. Insert Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM swab approximately 1 inch into nares. Discard cap.
2. Rotate swab against nasal mucosa.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Throat
1. Head should be tilted back, tongue depressed (use tongue depressor), and area well exposed and illuminated.
2. Swab posterior pharynx , involved peritonsillar area (or “sore” spot indicated by patient) using using Mini-Tip CULTURETTETM swab.
3. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Spinal Fluid
1. Collect 0.5 mL to 1 mL of spinal fluid using aseptic technique.
2. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile tube(s). (Acid-Fast Bacilli studies require =2 mL for optimum testing.)
3. Numbered tubes may be submitted to multiple departments (Chemistry, Hematology, and Microbiology).
4. Indicate tube number on request form for microbiology studies.
5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Stool
Collect specimen prior to administrating antidiarrheal medications and/or antibiotics.
1. =1 mL of fresh stool in a screw-capped, sterile container or modified Cary-Blair transport medium (transport medium not acceptable for Clostridium difficile toxin studies).
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Tissue
1. Fresh tissue without fixative in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. A moistened gauze pad of saline may be added to specimen to ensure specimen preservation.
3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Urine
1.Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
3. Forward non-preserved specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection at ambient temperature. If there is a delay in transport of >1 hour from collection, send specimen refrigerated. Urine transport kits (preserved specimen) can be forwarded at ambient temperature.
4. A first-morning urine specimen provides best yield for culture evaluation. Urine specimen for culture may not be as optimal (more dilute) if collected at other times.
5. Pediatric Bags are acceptable specimens
Wound
1. Cleanse wound margins with 70% alcohol.
2. Remove overlying debris.
3. Obtain specimen from abscess wall from deep wound or abscess material by surgical means.
4. Use Culturette® double swab to sample infected area. Do not touch surrounding area that may be contaminated with microorganisms.
5. Return swab to tube to ensure specimen preservation.
6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), Social Security number or date of birth (inpatients: medical record number), date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Transport Container
MICRO - STERILE CONTAINER
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature
Performing Laboratory
MWH LAB
