Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type:

Abscesses, body fluids, ear, hair, nails, respiratory specimens, skin, tissue, or wounds.

Collection Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container

Collection Instructions:

1. Prior to taking specimen, lesion areas should be sponged with 70% ethanol to eliminate surface contaminants.

2. Scrapings should be made by using a scalpel, glass slide, or other suitable substitute.

3. It is important to obtain material from the active periphery of the lesion or nail to assure acquisition of recently invaded tissue.

4.  Culturette can be used to obtain specimens from mucous membrane sources such as oral or vaginal areas.

5. Hair and various scrapings are to be transported in clean, dry containers.

6. Label with patient's name, second unique identifier (e.g. medical record number or date of birth), date and time of collection.

7. Specimen source is required.