| Source | Collection Requirements | Special Instructions |
| Abscess: Lesion, Wound, Pustule | Swab (culturette) | Should be received into laboratory within 24 hours of collection. |
| Bone | Place bone fragments in culture swab or call lab. | Should be received into laboratory immediately. If longer duration, place bone fragments in BHI broth and Thio. broth. |
| Blood, Bone Marrow or Body Fluids | Blood Culture bottles or Microbiology Tube (Contact lab for instructions or to request blood culture bottles.) | DO NOT USE EDTA. Should be received into laboratory within 2 hours of collection. Hold at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. |
| Cerebrospinal Fluid | Sterile tube, plain, no additives | DO NOT USE EDTA. Should be received into laboratory ASAP. |
| Ear | Swab (culturette) | Should be received for plating within 24 hours. |
| Fecal/Rectal Swab | Fecal in sterile leakproof container or Swab (cultuerette) | Refrigerate at 4 C until pickup within 24 hours. |
| Vaginal/Urethra | Swab (culturette) | Should be received into laboratory within 24 hours. |
| Hair, nails, skin scraping for fungal culture | Material in sterile container | Received by laboratory within 24 hours. Room temperature. |
| Respiratory Tract or Tracheal Wash | Swab (culturette) | Received by laboratory within 24 hours. |
| Tissue | Swab (culturette) and/or tissue in sterile container | Should be received ASAP |
| Urine | Sterile Container/Tube | Stable 24 hours. Refrigerate at 4 C. |
