Specimen Requirements

Collection Information: 

Biopsies, Aspirates or Swabs

Transport Information: 

Aseptic technique must be used in obtaining, and transport of specimen. Aspirate the deepest portion of the lesion, sinus tract or abscess. Biopsy specimens or aspirates are better than swab specimens.

Remarks: 

Identification and susceptibility tests are billed separately from culture.

Unacceptable Conditions: 

Swabs/specimens:
If specimen received is a dry swab or in a non-sterile container.
Specimen rejected if frozen/refrigerated or > 24 hours