Specimen Requirements

1. Collect specimen using Eswab or other culture transport swab containing either Amies or Stuart liquid transport medium.
   • Cutaneous Lesion:  Wash reddened area with sterile water or saline that does not contain bactericidal agents.  Obtain material from outer edge of lesion using a sterile blade or using a culture swab.
   • Mouth/Throat:  Swab white patches or lesions using a culture swab.
2.  Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of collection, and type of specimen.  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
3. Specimens should be transported to the laboratory promptly.

Specimen Stability Information:  Ambient (preferred) or refrigerated up to 48 hours.