Collection Instructions

Wound:

1. The specimen of choice depends on the extent and character of the infection, but in most cases, aspirated material is the preferred specimen type.
2. Superficial flora should be removed before collecting a specimen from the advancing margin.
3. For closed abscesses, both exudate and abscess wall sample should be collected.
4. Burn wounds should only be sampled after extensive cleaning and debridement.
5. The preferred specimen for a wound culture is taken from the advancing margin of the lesion, not just pus. Remove the exudates to get to the interior of the lesion.

Fluid:

• Specimen should be collected using established methods taking care to avoid contamination with commensal micro flora.
• Place fluid in a sterile container.

Tissue:

• remove superficial flora by decontaminating the skin before collecting a specimen from advancing margins or base.
• Place tissue in a sterile container.

Urine:

Clean Catch Mid-Stream Urine

Obtain early-morning specimens whenever possible to minimize false-negative results.

Female:

1. Wash hands.
2. Sit comfortably on the toilet and swing one knee to the side as far as possible.
3. Spread labia with one hand.
4. Use supplied sterile towlettes to wipe the vaginal area from the front to the back.
5. Keep labia apart.
6. Hold the cup with fingers on the outside. Do not touch the rim.
7. Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet. Stop.
8. Pass enough urine into the cup to fill half full.
9. Place lid on cup and secure tightly.

Male:

1. Wash hands.
2. Cleanse the end of the penis with a sterile towlette beginning from the urethra opening and working away from it.
3. Hold cup with fingers on the outside. Do not touch the rim.
4. Void a small amount of urine in the toilet. Stop.
5. Pass enough urine in the cup to fill half full.
6. Place lid on cup and secure tightly.

Stool:

• Pass specimen into a clean dry container.
• Transfer a sufficent amount of sample that displaces to the fill line on the yellow top preservative container. (C&S Cary Blair medium)
  • Note: do not over fill transport container.
  • Note: specimen should not be mixed with urine.

Sputum:

Expectorated Sputum:

• Instruct the patient in the difference between spit and sputum.
• Explain that a deep cough first thing in the morning, if practical, is needed to produce a quality sputum specimen.
• Instruct the patient to rinse the mouth with water prior to collection. If the patient wears dentures, they should be removed prior to specimen collection.
• Collect the specimen directly into the sterile container.
• Minimum volume is 1mL.