WOUND CULTURE W/GRAM STAIN

Handling: Specimen: Culturette of advancing edge of lesion or aspirate of wound/lesion. Unacceptable conditions: Dry swabs, dry material Stability: Ambient: 24 hours Set up daily. Gram stain included. TAT: Routine culture, 2 days. ABSCESS OR WOUND: Remove surface exudate b;y wiping with sterile saline or 70% alcohol. If open abscess, aspirate if possible or pass swab deep into lesion and firmly sample lesions advancing edge. If closed abscess, aspirate abscess wall material with needle and syringe. Aseptically transfer all material into anaerobic transport device. Monday - Sunday TAT 2 days, Preliminary results daily until final.