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Test Code C Wound Culture Wound

Patient Preparation

See special collection instructions

Special Collection Instructions

Non-Genital Source: Abscess, Bite, Boil, Drainage, Exudate, Fistula, Lesion, Pus, Puncture, Stump, Ulcer, Wound General: Remove surface exudate by wiping with sterile saline or 70% alcohol. Sample the base of the lesion or abscess wall.
Open: Aspirate if possible or pass a swab deep into the lesion to firmly sample the lesion’s fresh border.
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 Specimens

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

Reference or Target Ranges

Negative

Reportable Units

Positive/Negative

Critical Value

Not defined for this assay

Reasons for Rejection



<!-- Rejection-->
Hemolysis Threshold
 N/A
Icterus Threshold
 N/A
Lipemia Threshold
 N/A
Other
 QNS, contaminated, improperly labled, improper specimen type,

Specimen Stability



<!-- Stability -->
Ambient
 2 hours
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C)
 N/A
Frozen(-40°C to 0°C)
 N/A

Performance Information



<!-- Performance information -->
Days and Time Performed
 Daily
Expected Turn Around Time 2 days
Stat Availabilty
 No
Performing Bench
 Microbiology
Methodology/Method Description
 Culture

Special Handling

Will accept if room temperature up to 48 hours

Additional Information/Important Notes

If a culture for anaerobes is desired, please refer to/order/collect according to “Culture Anaerobic”

CPT Codes

87070