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Test Code C Wound CULTURE, WOUND

Patient Preparation

See special collection instructions.

Special Collection Instructions

Non-Genital Source: (Abscess, Bite, Drainage, Exudate, Fistula, Lesion, Pus, Puncture, Stump, Ulcer, Wound)

1.  General: Remove surface exudate by wiping with sterile saline or 70% alcohol. Sample the base        of the lesion or abscess wall.

2.  Open: Aspirate if possible or pass a swab deep into the lesion to firmly sample the lesion’s fresh border.

3.  Closed: Aspirate abscess material with needle & syringe; remove needle and cap syringe.

 

Burn, Decubitus:

Cleanse & debride the burn or decubitus ulcer and swab base of lesion.

NOTE: Tissue biopsy or needle aspirate is the specimen of choice as surface samples may be misleading.

 

 

Cellulitus:

1.  Cleanse site with sterile saline or 70% alcohol.

2.  Aspirate area of maximum inflammation (commonly, center not leading edge) with/fine needle & syringe.

3.  Remove needle & cap syringe.

 

Genital Wound Site: (Labia, Mons Pubis, Vulva, Scrotum, Penis)

Collect according to specific specimen type listed in Genital Culture or if it is an external lesion, ulcer or pus collect according to Non-Genital Source above.

Collection Method

Follow appropriate collection procedures

Minimum Volume

None

Container

eSwab

Acceptable Specimen(s)

  • Bite
  • Boil
  • Burn
  • Cath Exit Site
  • Decubitus Ulcer
  • Drainage
  • Empyema
  • Exudate
  • Fistula
  • Lesion
  • Puncture
  • Pus
  • Skin
  • Stump
  • Ulcer
  • Wound

Reference or Target Ranges

Negative- No Growth

Reportable Units

Positive-Growth
Negative-No Growth

Critical Value

Not defined for this assay

Reasons for Rejection

Other:                           

QNS, contaminated, Improperly labeled, Improper specimen type

Specimen Stability

Ambient:

2 Hours

Transport directly to the laboratory, preferably within 2 hours of collection to maintain optimum organism viability.

Refrigerated:

If immediate delivery or processing is delayed, then specimens should be refrigerated at 4-8 C or stored at room temperature (20-25 C) and processed within 48 hours

Performance Information

Days and Time Performed

Daily

Expected Turn Around Time

2-3 Days

Stat Availability

No

Performing Bench

CRMC Microbiology

Additional Information / Important Notes

If a culture for anaerobes is desired, please refer to/order/collect according to Culture Wound w/Anaerobe

Culture includes Gram Stain

Special Handling

Will accept if room temperature up to 48-hours

Methodology/Method Description

Culture

CPT Codes

87070