TEST NAME: Acid Fast Stain
Microbiology
Synonyms: TB Smear ? Mycobacterium smear/AFB
smear
Panel/Profile: None Listed
Patient Preparation: None Required.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Specimen smear
Collection Requirements: Appropriate specimen for
smear is the same as for culture collection procedure. Same as for acid fast
culture or specific site.
Cause for Rejection: Insufficient specimen volume/dry
swab. Unlabeled specimen.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Monday -
Friday
TURN AROUND
TIME: STAT: 3 hours Routine: 24 hours
REFERENCE RANGE: No acid-fast bacilli
seen
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Specimen must
state source and body site. Requisition must accompany specimen.
INTERPRETATION: None Listed
TEST NAME: HIV Screen
Synonyms: AIDS Antibody Screen/HIV
Patient Preparation: None Listed
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Requirements: 7 ml Red Top.
Cause for Rejection: Hemolyzed.
TEST AVAILABILITY: 7 days/24
hours
TURN AROUND
TIME: Routine: 24 hours, Stat: 1 hour
INTERPRETIVE RANGES:
Negative
TEST NAME: Antinuclear Antibody
Serology
Synonyms: ANA
Panel/Profile: Titer on all positive specimens AND
description of positive patterns.
Patient Preparation: None Required.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Requirements: 7 ml Red Top
Cause for Rejection: Specimen in incorrect
container.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: 3 days
INTERPRETIVE RANGE: Normal
<1:40 If test is >1:40, titer and
pattern care reported. Screening test for autoimmune diseases ? Lupus Erythematosus.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: None
Listed
TEST NAME: Bacterial Antigen Screen -
Microbiology
Synonyms: Bacterial Antigens for Meningitis.
Panel/Profile: H Influenza, N Meningitidis, S
Pneumonia, Strep Group B.
Patient Preparation: None Listed
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: CSF/ Serum/ Urine.
Cause for Rejection: Incomplete
requisition.
TEST AVAILABILITY: 24 hours / 7 days a
week.
TURN AROUND
TIME: Routine: 24 hour, Stat: 1 hour
INTERPRETIVE RANGES:
Negative
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: None
Listed
TEST NAME: Antistreptolysin O Latex -
Serology
Synonyms: ASO Latex or ASTO
Panel/Profile: None Listed
Patient Preparation: None Required.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Requirements: 7 ml Red Top
Cause for Rejection: Grossly contaminated
serum.
TEST AVAILABILITY: 7 days,
1st shift only.
TURN AROUND
TIME: 24 ? 48 hours
INTERPRETIVE RANGE: Normal :
Negative
USE: Document exposure to streptococcal
antigen steptolysin.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: None
Listed.
TEST NAME: Nasopharyngeal Culture
For B Pertussis ? Microbiology
Synonyms: Bordetella Pertussis Culture, Cough Plate
Culture, Whooping Cough Culture
Panel/Profile: B Pertussis Culture and/or Direct FA
for B Pertussis Depending on the Quantity of Specimen Submitted.
Patient Preparation: None Required.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen: ESwab of nasopharyngeal
Cause for Rejection: Specimen not received in
appropriate sterile container. Specimen unlabeled.
TEST AVAILABILITY: 7 days
TURN AROUND
TIME: Culture: 1week. FA: 24 hours.
INTERPRETIVE RANGES: Negative for B.
pertussis
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: None
Listed.
TEST NAME: Blood Culture ?
Microbiology
Synonyms: Blood Culture. Antimicrobial susceptibility
when indicated.
Patient Preparation: None Listed
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Blood
Collection Volume: Blood volume 10 ml per bottle.
Newborn Nursery and Pediatrics 1-2 ml in each pediatric size tube.
TEST AVAILABILITY: 24 hours
TURN AROUND
TIME: 7 days
INTERPRETIVE RANGES: No
growth.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Peripheral: Blood cultures will be drawn by lab
personnel, Port Draws: by RN
2. If the patient has received antimicrobials in the past 48
hours the lab must be informed.
TEST NAME: Lower Respiratory Acid Fast
Culture Microbiology
Synonyms: Mycobacteria Culture, AFB Culture, TB
Culture.
Panel/Profile: Direct Concentrated Acid Fast Stain,
Mycobacterial Culture.
Patient Preparation: None Required
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Sputum / BAL
Collection Requirements: First morning sputum /
induced sputum / BAL
Minimum Volume: 5 ? 10 ml volume container -
sterile
Cause for Rejection: Specimen consisting of saliva.
Specimen on outside of container.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: Smear 48 hours. Physician will be notified of all positive
cultures. Negative 8 weeks.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Recommended procedure
is to submit 3 first morning specimens, 1 each day for
3 successive days. Separate specimens should be submitted
for routine or fungus.
TEST NAME: Lower Respiratory Fungus Culture
? Microbiology
Synonyms: Direct Gram Stain ? Fungus
Culture
Patient Preparation: None Required.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Sputum / Induced sputum /
BAL
Collection Requirements: First morning specimen
preferred.
Minimum Volume: 2- 10 ml
Cause for Rejection: 1. Specimen not submitted in
sterile container. 2. Unlabeled specimen.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: Smear 24 hours. Physician will be notified of all positive
cultures. Negative cultures 6 weeks.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Recommended
procedure is to submit three early morning specimens?one each day For 3
successive days. Separate specimens should be submitted for Acid Fast and
Routine cultures.
TEST NAME: Lower Respiratory Culture Routine
- Microbiology
Synonym:
Panel/Profile: Direct Gram Stain ? Standard Aerobic
Culture ? Susceptibility When Indicated
Patient Preparation: None Required.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Sputum / Induced sputum /
BAL
Collection Requirements: First morning specimen
Minimum Volume: 2 ? 10 ml
Cause for Rejection: Specimen not submitted in
sterile container. Unlabeled specimen.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: 24 ? 48 hours. Preliminary report 24 hours.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. List current Antimicrobial Therapy
TEST NAME: Stool Culture ?
Microbiology
Synonyms: Stool for Enteric Pathogens
Panel/Profile: Isolation and Identification of
Salmonella, Arizona, Shigella, Yersinea, and Campylobacter. E. coli
0157
Patient Preparation: None Listed
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Stool
Collection Requirements: Fresh random stool or rectal
swabs.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: 48 hours. Preliminary report in 24 hours.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Culture for
Vibrio or other possible pathogen must be specified on request
form.
TEST NAME: Ova and Parasites Stool ?
Microbiology
Synonyms: O and P / Parasitology
Examination
Patient Preparation: None Required
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Fresh Random Stool / Duodenal
Wash
Specimen Requirements: 5 ML
Cause for Rejection: Insufficient specimen. Specimen sent in
diaper. Specimens with interfering substances; Castor Oil, Metamucil, Barium,
Bismuth?More than one specimen per day.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: 72 hours
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Specimens must be
received within one hour of collection or refrigerated.
Recommended procedure: 3 specimens collected one every 2
days.
TEST NAME: Urine Culture -
Microbiology
Synonyms: CCMS for Culture (includes colony
count).
Panel/Profile: None Listed
Patient Preparation: None Required.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Catheterized / midstream / pediatric
U-bag.
Cause for Rejection: Specimen received in unsterile
container or > than 2 hours from collection.
Unlabeled specimen.
TEST AVAILABILITY: 24 hours
TURN AROUND
TIME: 24 ? 48 hours. Preliminary report in 24 hours.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Collect in
sterile container. Transport to Lab immediately.
2. List all current antimicrobial patient is
receiving.
TEST NAME: Body Fluid Acid Fast
Culture
Synonyms: AFB or TB Culture
Patient Preparation: None Required
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Urine / spinal fluid / or other
sterile fluid.
Collection Requirements: Direct AFB smear and
culture
Cause for Rejection: Specimen in unsterile container.
Unlabeled specimens
TEST AVAILABILITY: 24 hours
TURN AROUND
TIME: 8 Weeks. Preliminary report at earliest evidence of growth.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: For urine
specimen. Submit to Lab in sterile container.
TEST NAME: Viral Culture -
Microbiology
Synonyms:
Panel/Profile: Appropriate Cultures for the Specific
Virus Suspected or Symptom Complex
Patient Preparation: None Required.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Notify Microbiology Lab of suspected
virus or symptoms for specific collection information.
Cause for Rejection: Improper specimen; delayed
transport to lab.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Monday -
Friday
TURN AROUND
TIME: 5 ? 10 days. Physician notified of all Positive cultures.
Negative cultures 10 days.
Exception: Genital Herpes 3 - 5 days.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Request transport
media from lab.
TEST NAME: Upper Respiratory Routine Culture
? Microbiology
Synonyms: Culture Routine.
Panel/Profile: Aerobic Culture
Patient Preparation: None Required
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen Type: E-Swab of throat / ear / eye /
nose.
Cause for Rejection: Specimen not received in
appropriate sterile container. Specimen unlabeled.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: 24 ? 48 hours. Preliminary report in 24 hours.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: List current
antimicrobial therapy.
TEST NAME: Wounds
? Routine Culture - Microbiology
Applies To: Pus Culture,
Routine, Abscess Culture Routine, Sinus Tract Culture Routine, Skin Ulcer
Culture Routine, Perinasal Sinus Culture Routine, Umbilical Swab Culture
Routine.
Panel/Profile: Direct Gram
Stain / Culture / Antimicrobial Susceptibility When Indicated
Patient Preparation: None
Required.
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Pus or other
material properly obtained from wound site or abscess.
Collection Requirements:
E-Swab
Cause for Rejection: 1.
Unlabeled specimen.
2. Specimen not received in
appropriate sterile container.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: 48 ? 72 hours. Preliminary report - 24 hours
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: Requisition must state source and body site.
TEST NAME: Wounds
? ETC. ? Acid Fast Cultures ? Microbiology
Synonyms: Mycobacteria
Culture ? AFB Culture, TB Culture
Applies To: Abscess Culture,
Sinus Tract Culture, Skin Ulcer.
Culture.
Panel/Profile: Direct Acid
Fast Stain and Mycobacterial Culture
Patient Preparation: None
Required
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Pus, or other
material properly collected from wound site submitted with E-Swab.
Cause for Rejection:
Specimen submitted in unsterile container or unlabeled specimen.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: Smear 48 hours. Physician will be notified all positive
cultures. Negative cultures ? 8 weeks.
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: Requisition must state source of specimen.
TEST NAME: Wounds ?
Fungus Culture - Microbiology
Applies To: Abscess Culture,
Sinus Tract, Skin Ulcer, for Fungus or Yeast Culture.
Panel/Profile: Direct Gram
Stain , KOH Smear if Appropriate, and Fungus Culture.
Patient Preparation: None
Required.
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Tissue, Pus,
skin scrapings or other appropriate material collected from wound site submitted
in sterile container or E-Swab.
Cause for Rejection:
Specimens submitted in unsterile container or unlabeled specimens.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: Smear 24 hours. Physician will be notified of all positive
cultures. Negative cultures ? 6
weeks.
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: Requisition must state source and body site.
TEST NAME: Gram
Stain ? Microbiology
Synonyms: Routine Stain
Bacteria ? Direct Smear Bacteria, Bacterial Smear, Gram Stain.
Panel/Profile: Microscopic
Examination of Specimen Smear.
Patient Preparation: None
Required.
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen Type: E-Swab or
sterile container.
Cause for Rejection:
Unsatisfactory specimen. Unlabeled specimen.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: Same day
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Specimen must state source and body site.
2. Requisition must accompany
specimen.
TEST NAME: Genital
Tract Routine Culture - Microbiology
Applies To: Vaginal,
Urethral, Cervical, Prostate, Penis, Bartholin Gland Cultures.
Panel/Profile: Direct Gram
Stain, Standard Culture Antimicrobial Susceptibility if Indicated.
Patient Preparation: None
Required.
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen type:
E-Swab from site to be cultured.
Cause for Rejection:
Specimen not received in sterile container. Unlabeled container.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: 48 ? 72 hours. Preliminary report at 24 hours
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: Specimen must state source and body site.
TEST NAME: Wet
Prep? Microbiology
Synonyms: Trichomonas Wet
Preparation
Panel/Profile: Direct
Microscopic Examination for Trichomonas and Clue cells.
Patient Preparation: None
Required
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen type: Vaginal,
urethral swabs, prostatic fluid.
Collection Requirements:
E-Swab.
Cause for Rejection:
Specimen more than 6 hours old. Unlabeled specimen.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: Routine: 24 hours, Stat: 1Hour
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: Requisition must state source and body
site.
TEST NAME:
Gonorrhea Culture - Microbiology
Synonyms: GC
Culture
Applies To: Cervical,
Urethral, Vaginal, Throat Rectal Cultures for Gonorrhea
Panel/Profile: Direct Gram
Stain, Gonorrhea Culture
Patient Preparation: None
Required.
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen Type: E-Swab of
site to be cultured.
Cause for Rejection:
Unlabeled specimen.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: Smear report available in 24 hours. Culture report 72 hours.
Preliminary Report at
24 hours..
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Requisition must state source and body
site.
TEST NAME: KOH
Preparation ? Microbiology
Synonym: Potassium Hydroxide
Preparation, KOH Prep
Panel/Profile: Direct
Microscopic Examination for Fungal Forms
Patient Preparation: None
Required
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen Requirements:
E-Swab or sterile container for appropriate specimen.
Cause for Rejection:
Insufficient specimen volume. Specimen not in appropriate container.
Unlabeled specimen.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: 7 days.
TURN AROUND
TIME: STAT: 1 hour ROUTINE: Next Day
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: Requisition must state source and body site.
TEST NAME: Culture for C. Diphtheriae
Synonyms: Diphtheria
Culture - sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories ... REFERENCE LAB
TEST
Patient Preparation: None
Required.
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen Type: Throat swab using Mayo Med.
Lab transport swab (BBL 220099, MML T092)
Collection
Procedure: 1. Collect culture at least 60 minutes after eating or
using mouthwash.
- Depress tongue with
tongue blade and illuminate throat.
- Have patient tilt his
head. The further back the head, the less the tongue will interfere.
- Ask patient to say
"Ah" which will raise the uvula.
- Being careful not to touch
the tongue, pass the swab under and behind the uvula.
- Twirl swab over
tonsils and back of throat, especially over any exudate, red or white
patches.
- If t here is a
membrane, lift the edge and swab underneath if possible.
- Replace swab in
container.
- Send culturette with
requisition to lab.
Cause for Rejection: Specimen in unsterile
container. Unlabeled specimen. Throat specimen collected by
E-Swab.
TEST AVAILABILITY:
Daily
TURN AROUND TIME: MML 3-5 dyas
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Sent to MML
TEST NAME: India
Ink Preparation ? Microbiology
Synonym: Cryptococcus
Preparation, Cryptococcus Stain
Panel/Profile: Direct
Microscopic Examination for Yeast Cells
Patient Preparation: None
Required.
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen Type:
CSF
Cause for Rejection:
Specimen not in appropriate container. Unlabeled specimen.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND
TIME: 24 hours
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: None Listed.
TEST NAME: Body
Fluid Culture Routine ? Microbiology
Synonym: Culture
Routine
Panel/Profile: Gram Stain,
Routine Aerobic Culture, Susceptibility When Indicated.
Patient Preparation: None
Required.
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen Type: CSF/ pleural
fluid / joint fluid or other sterile fluid.
Cause for Rejection:
Specimen not submitted in sterile container.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Daily.
TURN AROUND
TIME: Gram stain 24 hours. Culture Preliminary report at 24 hours.
Negative culture at 72
hours.
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: List current antimicrobial therapy and diagnosis.
TEST NAME: Pleural
Fluid Routine
Synonyms: Pericardial Fluid,
Chest Fluid, Thoracentesis Fluid
Panel/Profile: Cell Count,
Protein, Glucose, Amylase, LDH, PH, Routine Culture, Anaerobic Culture, Acid
Fast
Culture, Fungus Culture, Cytology
Malignant Cells.
Patient Preparation: None
Required.
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen Type: None
Listed
Collection Requirements:
Collect in 5 mL Heparin Tube / Sterile Container
Cause for Rejection: None
Listed
TEST
AVAILABILITY: 7 days/24 hours
TURN AROUND
TIME: 2 Hours
REFERENCE RANGE
None Listed
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: None Listed
INTERPRETATION:. None
Listed
TEST NAME: Prenatal
Routine
Synonym: OB
Routine
Panel/Profile: CBC with
Differential, ABO, RH, VDRL, Urinalysis, Rubella, Atypical Antibody
Screen
Patient Preparation: None
Required
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
Specimen Type:
Serum/Plasma
Collection Requirements: Whole
Blood - 7 mL Purple (EDTA) and Serum ? 7 mL Plain Red and 7 mL
SST
Cause for Rejection: None
Listed
TEST
AVAILABILITY: None Listed
TURN AROUND
TIME: STAT: None Listed
Routine: None
Listed
REFERENCE
RANGES: None Listed
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: None Listed.
INTERPRETATION: None
Listed
TEST NAME: Sputum
Fungus Culture
Synonyms: Mycobacterium Culture,
TB Culture, Sputum AFB Culture
Group
Test: None
Individual Test Within
the Group: Acid-Fast Bacilli
Culture, AFB Smear
Patient
Preparation: None
SPECIMEN
REQUIRMENTS
Specimen
Type: Blood, Urine, Stool,
Sputum X CSF, Tissue, Other
Transport
Container: 3.5 oz. sterile screw
cap container
Minimum
Volume: 5 ml
Post-Collection
Specimen Storage Stability: 1hour at room
temperature, 24 hours at 2-5 Celsius
Cause for
Rejection: Insufficient specimen
submitted, gross contamination on the outside of the container, unlabeled
specimen.
TEST AVAILABILITY:
Specimens processed
from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily, 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on
weekends.
TURN AROUND TIME:
Routine: Smear within 24 hrs,
culture up to 8 weeks, preliminary reports sent out only if the culture grows.
STAT:
Same as
above.
SPECIAL
INSTUCTIONS: The preferred specimen
is early morning expectorated sputum. The patient should rinse mouth with water
before specimen is collected. Instruct the patient to avoid adding saliva or
nasopharyngeal discharges to the specimen, as they will contaminate it with
indigenous microorganisms.
LAB SECTION
PERFORMING TEST: Microbiology Phone (X)
983-3089 (7946)
TEST NAME: Sputum
Fungus Culture
Synonyms: Mycobacterium Culture, TB
Culture, Sputum AFB Culture
Group Test: None
Individual Test Within the Group:
Acid-Fast Bacilli Culture, AFB Smear
Patient Preparation: None
SPECIMEN
REQUIRMENTS
Specimen Type: Blood, Urine, Stool,
Sputum X CSF, Tissue, Other
Transport Container: 3.5 oz. sterile
screw cap container
Minimum Volume: 5 ml
Post-Collection Specimen Storage
Stability: 1hour at room temperature, 24 hours at 2-5
Celsius
Cause for Rejection: Insufficient
specimen submitted, gross contamination on the outside of the container,
unlabeled specimen.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Specimens processed from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
daily, 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekends.
TURN AROUND TIME: Routine: Smear within
24 hrs, culture up to 8 weeks, preliminary reports sent out only if the culture
grows.
STAT: Same as above.
SPECIAL
INSTUCTIONS: The preferred specimen is early morning
expectorated sputum. The patient should rinse mouth with water before specimen
is collected. Instruct the patient to avoid adding saliva or nasopharyngeal
discharges to the specimen, as they will contaminate it with indigenous
microorganisms.
LAB
SECTION PERFORMING TEST: Microbiology Phone (X)
983-3089 (7946)
TEST NAME:
Sputum Routine Culture
Synonyms:
Group
Test: Yes or No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS
WITIN THE GROUP: Routine Culture and Gram Stain, Susceptibility studies
are provided when clinically indicated.
PATIENT
PREPARATION: See special instructions below.
Specimen
Type: Blood, Urine, Stool, Sputum X CSF, Tissue, Other
TRANSPORT
CONTAINER: 3.5 oz. Sterile screw cap container
Minimum
Volume: 5.0 ml
Post-Collection
Specimen Storage Stability: Transport to laboratory immediately one
hour at room temperature, 24 hours at 2-5 degrees Celsius
Cause for
Rejection: Insufficient specimen submitted, gross contamination on the
outside of the container, unlabelled specimen.
TEST
ABAILABILITY: Specimens processed daily.
TURN AROUND TIME:
Routine:
Smear within 24 hrs, culture up to 72 hrs, preliminary reports daily.
STAT:
Smear within 3 hrs, culture same as above.
SPECIAL
INTRUCTIONS: The specimen is early morning expectorated sputum. The
with patient should rinse mouth with water before specimen is collected.
Instruct the patient to avoid adding saliva or nasopharyngeal discharges to the
specimen, as they will contaminate it with indigenous microorganisms. List
patient's antimicrobial therapy.
TEST NAME:
Stool Routine Culture
SYNONYMS:
GROUP TEST:
Yes or No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS
WITHIN THE GROUP: Test includes isolation and identification of
Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, E.coli O157: and Campylobacter. Yersinia, by
special request only.
PATIENT
PREPARATION: None
Specimen Requirements:
Specimen Type:
Blood, Urine, Stool X Sputum CSF, Tissue, Other
TRANSPORT
CONTAINER: Plastic snap cap denture container or rectal culturette
swabs for infants.
Minimum
Volume: 5.0 m l
Post-Collection
Specimen Storage Stability: Transport to laboratory immediately one
hour @ room temp., 24 hrs @ 2-5 degrees Celsius
Cause for
Rejection: Insufficient specimen submitted, gross contamination on the
outside of the container, unlabelled specimen. Specimen contaminate with urine,
castor oil, bismuth, Metamucil or barium.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Specimens processed daily.
TURN AROUND
TIME
Routine:
Culture up to 72 hrs, preliminary reports daily.
STAT:
Culture same as above.
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: Culture for any other pathogens other than the listed,
must be specified when ordering this test.
TEST NAME:
Throat Routine Culture
SYNONYMS:
Upper Respiratory Routine Culture
GROUP
TEST: Yes or No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS WITH THE
GROUP:
PATIENT
PREPARATION: None
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS:
Specimen
Type: Blood, Urine, Stool, Sputum CSF, Tissue, Other throat
swab
TRANSPORT
CONTAINER: E-Swab ? large tip
Minimum
Volume: One E-Swab
Post-Collection
Specimen Storage Stability: Transport to laboratory immediately, two
hrs @ room temp., 24 hrs @ 2-5 degrees Celsius
Cause
for Rejection: Unlabelled specimen
TEST AVAILABILITY:
Specimens processed daily.
TURN AROUND
TIME
Routine:
Culture up to 48 hrs, preliminary report at 24 hrs.
STAT:
Culture same as above.
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: Culture included common bacteria agents of pharyngitis
ie, beta hemolytic streptococci. Culture for any other pathogens other than the
listed must be specified when ordering this test.
TEST NAME:
Urine Routine Culture
SYNONYMS: CCMS, or Cath
Urine for Culture
GROUP
TEST: Yes or No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS
WITHIN THE GROUP: Colony Count, Culture and Antimicrobial
Susceptibility Studies if indicated.
PATIENT
PREPARATION: None
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS:
Specimen
Type: Blood, Urine X Stool, Sputum CSF, Tissue, Other
TRANSPORT
CONTAINER: Vacutainer Urine C&S Transport Kit, or sterile3.5 oz
screw cap collection container.
Minimum
Volume: 5.0 ml
Post-Collection
Specimen Storage Stability: Transport to laboratory immediately.
Vacutainer transport is stable for 24 hrs @ room temp. Screw cap container is
stable for one hour at room temp and 24 hrs @ 2-5 degrees Celsius.
Cause for
Rejection: Unlabelled Specimen.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Specimens processed daily.
TURN AROUND
TIME
Routine:
Culture up to 72 hrs, preliminary reports @ 24 hrs.
STAT:
Culture same as above.
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: Collection FEMALE: 1. Patient should straddle commode or
bed pan. 2. Wash the vulva from front to back four times with the towelettes
provided in the mid stream urine collection kit. The labia should be spread and
the patient should be instructed to void, discard the first portion of urine and
collect the second portion into the sterile container. MALE: 1. Retract the
prepuce if uncircumcised, wash with the towelettes the glans of the
penis. 2. Void the first portion of urine and collect the second
portion directly into the sterile container. Instructions for using the
vacutainer transport kit are provided with the kit. List any antimicrobials that
the patient is currently receiving.
TEST NAME:
Wound or Surgical Tissue
SYNONYMS:
Also applies to abscess, surgical tissue, skin ulcer for fungus or yeast
culture
GROUP
TEST: Yes or No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS
WITHIN THE GROUP: Fungus Culture, Special stain (KOH or Gram
Stain)
PATIENT
PREPARATION: None
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS:
Specimen
Type: Wound Aspirate, surgical tissue, skin scrapings
TRANSPORT
CONTAINER: 3.5 oz Sterile screw cap container, or sterile syringe, for
scrapings place them in the container along with the blade used for collection.
Minimum
Volume: 2 ml
Post-Collection
Specimen Storage Stability: One hour @ room temp., 24 hrs @ 2-5 degrees
Celsius.
Cause for
Rejection: Insufficient specimen submitted, gross contamination on the
outside of the container. Unlabelled specimen, specimen received in formalin.
TEST
AVAILABILITY: Specimens processed from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, 6:30
am to 2:00 pm on weekends.
TURN AROUND
TIME
Routine:
Special stain within 24 hrs, Culture up to six wks, preliminary reports weekly
on positive cultures. If culture is negative no weekly report sent.
STAT:
Special stain within 3 hrs, Cultures same as above.
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS: Surgical tissue and aspirates are physician or radiology
services collected specimen. Skin scrapings are nursing or laboratory staff
collected specimens.
TEST NAME:
Wound Routine Culture
SYNONYMS: Also applies to abscess, skin ulcer
sinus tract, for routine culture.
GROUP TEST: Yes or No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS WITHIN THE
GROUP: Routine
Culture, Gram Stain, Antimicrobial susceptibility studies when indicated.
PATIENT PREPARATION: None
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS:
Specimen Type: Wound discharge
TRANSPORT CONTAINER: 1 E-swab or 0.5 ml of aseptically
aspirated discharge (pus).
Minimum Volume: 2 ml
Post-Collection Specimen Storage
Stability: One hour
@ room temp. or 24 hrs @ 2-5 degrees Celsius.
Cause for Rejection: Insufficient specimen submitted,
gross contamination on the outside of the container. Unlabelled specimen.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND TIME
Routine: Gram stain within 24 hrs, Culture up
to 72 hrs., preliminary report @ 24 hrs.
STAT: Special stain within 3 hrs, Culture
same as above.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: For abscess vesicles or sinus
tracts: 1. Clean surrounding area with 70% alcohol and let it dry. 2. Puncture
the vesicle with a sterile or lance it. 3. Collect the fluid onto an E-swab or
aspirate it into a syringe. Label and transport to laboratory.
TEST NAME:
Surgical Tissue
SYNONYMS: Also applies to biopsy for routine
culture.
GROUP TEST: Yes X No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS WITHIN
GROUP: Routine
Culture, Gram stain, Antimicrobial susceptibility studies when indicated.
PATIENT PREPARATION: None
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS
Specimen Type: Surgical Tissue
TRANSPORT CONTAINER: E-Swab or small tissue section in
sterile container with or without sterile saline.
Minimum Volume: 2ml
Post-Collection Specimen Storage
Stability: 1 hr @
room temp or 24 hrs @ 2-5 º C.
Cause for Rejection: Insufficient specimen submitted,
gross contamination on the outside of the container, unlabeled specimen, and
specimen received in formalin.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Daily
TURN AROUND TIME:
Routine: Gram stain within 24 hrs, culture up
to 72 hrs, preliminary report @ 24 hrs.
STAT: Gram stain within 3 hrs, culture
same as above.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Place specimen into a sterile screw
capped container without fixative. If an anaerobic culture is ordered see
instructions for anaerobic cultures. Label the specimen container with the
patient's name and source of the specimen.
TEST NAME:
Eye Routine Culture
SYNONYMS: Conjunctival Culture
GROUP TEST: Yes X No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS WITHIN THE
GROUP: Routine
Culture, gram stain, and antimicrobial susceptibility when indicated.
PATIENT PREPARATION: None
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS:
Specimen Type: Blood, Urine, Stool, Sputum CFS,
Tissue, Other eye conjunctival exudate swab
TRANSPORT CONTAINER: 1-E-Swab mini tip
Minimum Volume: 1-Mini-tip E-Swab
Post-Collection Specimen Storage
Stability: Transport
to laboratory immediately. 2 hrs @ room temp or 24 hrs @ 2-5 º C
Cause for Rejection: Unlabelled specimen.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Specimens processed daily.
TURN AROUND TIME
Routine: Culture up to 48 hrs, preliminary
report @ 24 hrs.
STAT: Culture same as above.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: List current antimicrobial therapy.
1. Pull down lower eyelid, hold upper lid to prevent blinking. 2. Collect
specimen on mini-tip swab by subbing swabs across the conjunctiva. 3. Label the
specimen and send it to the laboratory.
TEST NAME:
Lower Respiratory Fungus Culture
SYNONYMS: Culture for yeast or other
fungi
GROUP TEST: Yes X No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS WITHIN
GROUP: Fungus
culture, special stain
PATIENT PREPARATION: See special instructions
below.
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS:
Specimen Type: Blood, Urine, Stool, Sputum CSF,
Tissue, Other
TRANSPORT CONTAINER: 3.5 oz. sterile screw cap
container
Minimum Volume: 10ml
Post-Collection Specimen Storage
Stability: 1 hr @
room temp or 24 hrs @ 2-5 º C
Cause of Rejection: Insufficient specimen submitted,
gross contamination on the outside of the container, unlabelled specimen.
TEST AVAILABILTY: Specimens processed from 6:00 am to
4:00 pm daily, 6:30 am to 2:00 pm on weekends.
TURN AROUND TIME
Routine: Smear within 24 hrs, culture up to 6
weeks, preliminary reports weekly on positive culture.
STAT: Smear within 3 hrs, culture same as
above.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: The preferred specimen is early
morning expectorated sputum. The with patient should rinse the mouth with water
before specimen is collected. Instruct patient to avoid adding saliva or
nasopharyngeal discharge to the specimen, as they will contaminate it with
indigenous microorganisms.
TEST NAME:
Lower Respiratory Fungus Culture
SYNONYMS: Yeast or other fungus
culture
GROUP TEST: Yes X No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS WITHIN
GROUP: Fungus
culture, special stain
PATIENT PREPARATION: None
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS:
Specimen Type: Bronchial Washings
TRANSPORT CONTAINER: 3.5 oz. sterile screw cap
container
Minimum Volume: 10ml
Post-Collection Specimen Storage
Stability: 1 hr @
room temp or 24 hrs @ 2-5 º C
Cause of Rejection: Insufficient specimen submitted,
gross contamination on the outside of the container, unlabelled specimen.
TEST AVAILABILTY: Specimens processed from 6:00 am to
4:00 pm daily, 6:30 am to 2:00 pm on weekends.
TURN AROUND TIME
Routine: Smear within 24 hrs, culture up to 6
weeks, preliminary reports weekly on positive culture.
STAT: Smear within 3 hrs, culture same as
above.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: This is a physician or technical
services collected specimen.
TEST NAME:
Wound Fungus Culture
SYNONYMS: Yeast or Fungus Culture
GROUP TEST: Yes X No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS WITHIN
GROUP: Fungus
culture, special stain
PATIENT PREPARATION: None
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS:
Specimen Type: Wound Aspirate
TRANSPORT CONTAINER: 3.5 oz. sterile screw cap container,
sterile syringe, E-Swab
Minimum Volume: 2ml
Post-Collection Specimen Storage
Stability: 1 hr @
room temp or 24 hrs @ 2-5 º C
Cause of Rejection: Insufficient specimen submitted,
gross contamination on the outside of the container, unlabelled specimen.
TEST AVAILABILTY: Specimens processed from 6:00 am to
4:00 pm daily, 6:30 am to 2:30 pm on weekends.
TURN AROUND TIME
Routine: Smear within 24 hrs, culture up to 6
weeks, preliminary reports weekly on positive culture.
STAT: Smear within 3 hrs, culture same as
above.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: This is a physician or radiology
services collected specimen.
TEST NAME:
Surgical Tissue Fungus Culture
SYNONYMS: Yeast or Fungus Culture
GROUP TEST: Yes X No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS WITHIN
GROUP: Fungus
culture, special stain
PATIENT PREPARATION: None
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS:
Specimen Type: Surgical Tissue
TRANSPORT CONTAINER: 3.5 oz. sterile screw cap container
with or without sterile saline.
Minimum Volume: 3 mm piece of tissue
Post-Collection Specimen Storage
Stability: 1 hr @
room temp or 24 hrs @ 2-5 º C
Cause of Rejection: Gross contamination on the outside
of the container, unlabelled specimen, and specimen received in formalin.
TEST AVAILABILTY: Specimens processed from 6:00 am to
4:00 pm daily, 6:30 am to 3:00 pm on weekends.
TURN AROUND TIME
Routine: Smear within 24 hrs, culture up to 6
weeks, preliminary reports weekly on positive culture.
STAT: Smear within 3 hrs, culture same as
above.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: This is a physician collected
specimen.
TEST NAME:
Body Fluid Fungus Culture
SYNONYMS: Yeast or Fungus Culture
GROUP TEST: Yes X No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS WITHIN
GROUP: Fungus
culture, special stain, India Ink
PATIENT PREPARATION: None
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS:
Specimen Type: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
TRANSPORT CONTAINER: 10ml sterile screw cap conical
tube.
Minimum Volume: 1.0 ml
Post-Collection Specimen Storage
Stability: 1 hr @
room temp or 24 hrs @ 2-5 º C
Cause of Rejection: Gross contamination on the outside
of the container, unlabelled specimen.
TEST AVAILABILTY: Specimens processed from 6:00 am to
4:00 pm daily, 6:30 am to 2:30 pm on weekends.
TURN AROUND TIME
Routine: Smear within 24 hrs, culture up to 6
weeks, preliminary reports weekly on positive culture.
STAT: Smear within 3 hrs, culture same as
above.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: This is a physician collected
specimen.
TEST NAME:
Genital Fungus Culture
SYNONYMS: Yeast or Fungus Culture
GROUP TEST: Yes X No
INDIVIDUAL TESTS WITHIN
GROUP: Fungus
culture, special stain
PATIENT PREPARATION: Patient should be instructed not to
use any vaginal medication for 24 hrs prior to culture and not to urinate for at
least one hour before culture is collected.
SPECIMEN REQUIRMENTS:
Specimen Type: Genital Tract, applies to vaginal,
urethral, cervical, prostate, penis, bartholin gland.
TRANSPORT CONTAINER: E-Swab
Minimum Volume: 1 E-Swab
Post-Collection Specimen Storage
Stability: 1 hr @
room temp or 24 hrs @ 2-5 º C
Cause of Rejection: Gross contamination on the outside
of the container, unlabelled specimen.
TEST AVAILABILTY: Specimens processed from 6:00 am to
4:00 pm daily, 6:30 am to 2:30 pm on weekends.
TURN AROUND TIME
Routine: Smear within 24 hrs, culture up to
72 hrs, preliminary report @ 24 hrs.
STAT: Smear within 3 hrs, culture same as
above.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Cervix Culture: 1. Expose
with a sterile bivalve vaginal speculum. 2. Using a sterile rayon swab clean the
external os. 3. Remove any intravaginal part of the cervical plug. 4. Gently
compress the cervix with the speculum blades to strip secretions from the
endocervical gland. 5. Insert each swab into the cervical canal and press it
against the wall a few seconds. Vaginal Culture: 1. With sterile swabs
obtain material from the posterior fornix before removing the vaginal speculum.
Urethral Culture: 1. Clean the area around the meatus with a sterile
rayon swab. 2. Apply pressure to the urethra through the vagina from above
downward to the external meatus. 3. Introduce the swabs into the meatus and
gently rotate. This is a physician collected test.
