Specimen Requirements

1. Collect 5 mL of purulent drainage in collection syringe or excised tissue in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Swab samples are acceptable but not preferred.  Collect swab specimen using Eswab or other culture transport swab containing either Amies or Stuart liquid transport medium.
   • Wound should be cleaned with sterile water or saline which does not contain bactericidal agents. Dry with sterile gauze to remove as much surface contamination as possible. 
   • Pass the swab deep into the wound.  Roll swab at the base of the wound and collect exudate.
3. 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.
4. Specimens should be transported to the laboratory promptly.

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