Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Culture source

Collection Container/Tube: First choice: tissue, fluid, aspirate, biopsy, etc. 

Second choice: CultureSwab® (white or blue cap) or specimen in sterile container. 

Note: An extra white swab should be obtained if gram stain is requested.

Collection Instructions:

1. Maintain sterility.

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

3. Specimen source is required.

Collection Instructions: For most open lesions and abscesses, remove superficial flora by decontaminating skin before collecting a specimen from advancing margin or base.