Additional Specimen Instructions

This test order is for deep wounds and invasively collected abscesses. Aerobic cultures are held for 3-4 days.

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. Drainage fluid should NEVER be collected from a bag due to organism overgrowth.