Specimen Requirements

Preferred:
Container/Tube: ESwab

Collection Instructions:
A. Superficial wounds (cultured aerobically)
Collect specimen on aerobic culture swab in transport media, sampling the deepest portion or
active margin of the wound. Do not sample areas of healing. All swabs should be kept at room
temperature for up to 24 hours.
B. Deep wounds (cultured anaerobically also)
Clean surface with antiseptic. Aspirate with needle and syringe whenever possible. If this is not
possible, use a sterile aerobic and anaerobic swab and sample the deepest portion of the wound.
C. Drainage and exudates
If there is abundant exudates or drainage, discard the portion near the surface and collect
material representative of the deepest portion or active margin of the site. Collection by needle
and syringe aspiration is preferred.
D. Sterile body fluids
Disinfect skin and collect via percutaneous or intraoperative aspiration. Place immediately into
the fluid collection kits as per the kit directions. Obtain as much fluid as possible (synovial fluid 2-
5 mL), other body fluids (10-25 mL or more). Transport immediately to the laboratory.
E. Tissue
Obtained surgically and placed in sterile container. Transport to laboratory immediately. Tissue is
ground in sterile saline. (Fungal cultures require pieces; grinding is not optimum.)