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.