Specimen Requirement

Note: a descriptive anatomic source is required

Body fluid: at least 0.5 ml Submit entire collection in a sterile container. Do not submit a swab dipped in the fluid.

Tissue: at least 1 gram (pea size) Submit entire collection in a sterile container. Add a few drops of sterile, non-bacteriostatic saline to prevent desiccation.

Swab: red-topped double swab culturette (1 swab is used for Gram stain, the other for aerobic culture) or
white-topped single swab culturette (if no Gram stain needed). Collect swab specimen after decontaminating wound.  Sample wound base and margins. Submit separate swab for culture to maximize recovery.