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Test Code LAB943 Eye Culture

Performing Lab

Arnot Ogden Medical Center

Ordering Recommendations

Detection and identification of bacterial agents of ocular infections.

Collect

  • E swab 

  • Or Culturette

  • Or Corneal Scrapings

Stability (from collection to initiation)

  • Swabs must be received in the laboratory within 48 hours of collection.
  • Corneal scrapings and/or inoculated media: send to the laboratory without delay.

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

Conjunctiva:

  • Obtain specimen with sterile premoistened swab.
  • Roll swab over conjunctiva before application of topical medications.

Corneal Scrapings:

  • Generally collected by a physician and inoculated at beside.
  • Contact lab to obtain media for inoculation.
  • Obtain corneal scrapings from the advancing edge of ulcer by scraping multiple areas of ulceration and suppuration with a sterile spatula using short firm strokes in one direction.
    • Note:  keep eyelid open and avoid contact with lashes.
  • Inoculate media with scrapings.

Remarks

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