Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection. 

Samples in transport medium must be screened within 6 hours of collection. 

Option 1: 1 mL 0.9% Saline in labeled Conical Tube 

Option 2: Stuart Transport Medium

Procedure:

1. Collect exudate using a Dacron® swab. (Calcium alginate swab or swab with wooden shaft is not acceptable.)
2. Make a heavy inoculum in tube with 1 mL of sterile saline (preferred) or return swab to transport tube.
3. Break off stem, and replace cap on transport tube. If using transport medium, ensure that the fluid in the transport culturette is completely surrounding the tip of the swab to keep the specimen well hydrated.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note: 

1. Do not leave specimen unattended. Hand deliver to laboratory technician.
2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.