Abscesses and deep wounds (culture)
About This Test |
Department:Microbiology, Virology and Molecular Microbiology Requirement:Abscess pus (minimum 1ml) Abscess swab Deep-seated pus swab, Post-operative wound swab Wound exudate
Turnaround Time:2-3 days routine. Up to 7 days for anaerobes, Actinomyces culture 10-14 days |
Culture for common bacterial pathogens, gram stain on selected samples.
Other Comments:
Collection container:
Sterile plain container (pus), Amies with charcoal (swabs)
Special instructions -
- Relevant clinical data and details of recent or current antimicrobial treatment should be provided.
- Collect specimens before antimicrobial therapy where possible.
- Samples of pus are preferred to swabs.
- If swab is taken, the deepest part of the wound should be sampled.
- Clean the superficial area prior to swabbing
- Swab avoiding the superficial microflora.
- State specific anatomical site of sample.
NB PLEASE STATE IF HISTORY OF IV DRUG USE, CONTACT WITH ANIMALS OR LIVESTOCK, RECENT OR PROLONGED FOREIGN TRAVEL
Specimen transport: If processing is delayed, refrigeration is preferable to storage at ambient temperature