Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Amniotic Fluid

1. 5 mL (minimum volume:  1 mL) of amniotic fluid in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Specimen cannot be frozen.
Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Blood

1. Draw blood in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s), and send 5 mL (minimum volume:  2 mL) of EDTA whole blood.
2. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Specimen cannot be frozen.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Bone Marrow

1. 5 mL (minimum volume:  2 mL) of bone marrow in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s).
2. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Specimen cannot be frozen.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Brushings or Washings
1. 1 mL of BAL brushings or washings in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Specimen cannot be frozen.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Pericardial or Pleural Fluid

1. 1 mL of pericardial or pleural fluid in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Specimen cannot be frozen.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Sputum or Tracheal Secretions

1. 1 mL of sputum or tracheal secretions in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Specimen cannot be frozen.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Tissue

1. 250 mg of tissue in Universal Transport Medium (UTM).
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Specimen cannot be frozen.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Urine

1. 1 mL of urine in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Specimen cannot be frozen.

Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.