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Test Code LAB942 Ear Culture

Performing Lab

Arnot Ogden Medical Center

Ordering Recommendations

Detection and identification of bacterial agents of external, middle and inner ear infections.

Collect

  • E swab or Culturette Swab
  • Aspirated fluid from inner ear

Stability (from collection to initiation)

  • Swabs must be received in the laboratory within 48 hours of collection.
  • Fluid must be received within 24 hours of collection.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Room Temperature

Methodology

Conventional Culture

Start Date

9/13/2017

Last Review Date

6/23/2025

Specimen Handling

Room Temperature

Collection Instructions

External Ear:

  • Insert sterile swab into ear canal until resistance is met.
  • Rotate swab and allow fluid to be collected on the swab.
  • Remove swab.

Tympanocentesis Fluid:

  • Clean external ear canal.
  • Use syringe to aspirate fluid.
  • If eardrum is ruptured, collected exudate by inserting sterile swab through auditory speculum.

Remarks

  • Gram stain is included in this culture order.
  • Susceptibility testing will be performed for significant isolates.
  • This test will only identify aerobic bacterial agents of infection. This test will not identify anaerobic, fungal, mycobacterial, viral, or parasitic agents of infection.