Sign in →

Skin/Superficial Wound Culture

eDH Procedure Code(s)

LAB3162

Test Information

Gram stain is included with this order.
Superficial wounds are often swabbed to collect a sample for culture because there is not enough pus of fluid to aspirate. Limit swab samplings to wounds that are clinically infected or those that are chronic and not healing.

Collection Information

Gently roll a swab over the surface of the wound approximately five times, focusing on the area where there is evidence of pus or inflamed tissue.

Specimen Information

Specimen Type Specimen Source Acceptable Containers Minimum Test Volume (mL)
Swab Varies E-Swb-R 1.0

Shipping and Handling


Transport Temperature: Ambient or Refrigerated

Specimen Stability
Ambient: 48 hours
Refrigerate: 48 hours
Frozen: n/a

Test Components

Component LOINC Code
BKR SKIN/SUPERFICIAL WOUND CULTURE 17915-0
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)