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HelpAbscess/Wound Aspirate Culture
eDH Procedure Code(s)
LAB503 Abscess/Wound Aspirate Culture, Aerobic Only
LAB3164 Abscess/Wound Aspirate Culture, Aerobic & Anaerobic
Test Information
This test order is for deep wounds and invasively collected abscesses
Collection Information
Deep Wound including bites, should be cultured only if there is purulence, chronic drainage or non-healing.
Abscesses that are closed off and not yet draining externally should be aspirated and the pus/purulent fluid sent for culture. Aspirate infected material with a needle and syringe. DO NOT SEND THE NEEDLE.
Drainages – Abdominal, chest tube and biliary drainages are the most commonly submitted drainages. Drainage fluid should be freshly collected by direct aspiration of fluid from the area being drained and should NEVER be collected from a bag due to organism overgrowth.
Specimen Information
| Specimen Type | Specimen Source | Acceptable Containers | Minimum Test Volume (mL) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Varies | E-Swb-R | 1.0 | |
Shipping and Handling
Transport Temperature: Refrigerated
Specimen Stability (eSwab)
Ambient: 48 hours
Refrigerate: 48 hours
Specimen Stability (Sterile Container)
Refrigerate: 24 hours
Test Components
| Component | LOINC Code |
|---|---|
| ABSCESS/WOUND ASPIRATE CULTURE | 43407-6 |
| GRAM STAIN | 664-3 |
Turnaround Time (TAT)
2 Days
CPT Code(s)
87070
Performing Lab Section
Microbiology
Performing Lab(s)
Cheshire Medical Center Laboratory (CHE)
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Laboratory (MHMH)