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HelpTest Code LAB4301 Comprehensive Wound Culture
Performing Lab
Arnot Ogden Medical Center
Ordering Recommendations
Detection and identification of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial agents of surgical and non-surgical wound infections.
Collect
E swab
*MUST indicate on specimen the collection site.
Stability (from collection to initiation)
MUST received in the laboratory within 48 hours of collection.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Room Temperature
Methodology
Conventional Culture
Start Date
9/13/2017
Last Review Date
06/15/2026
Specimen Handling
Room Temperature
Remarks
- Gram stain is included for this culture order.
- Susceptibility testing will be performed on significant isolates.
- This test will only identify aerobic and anaerobic bacterial agents of infection. This test will not identify fungal, mycobacterial, viral or parasitic agents of infection.
Collection Instructions
- The specimen of choice depends on the extent and character of the infection, but in most cases, aspirated material is the preferred specimen type.
- Superficial flora should be removed before collecting a specimen from the advancing margin.
- For closed abscesses, both exudate and abscess wall sample should be collected.
- Burn wounds should only be sampled after extensive cleaning and debridement.
- 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.
Reporting status
- Cultures are reported as "No growth," if no organisms are recovered after 48 hours of incubation.