Test ID: GEN
Bacterial Culture, Aerobic
Specimen Type 
Describes the specimen type needed for testing
Specimen Required Defines the optimal specimen. This field describes the type of specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing. The volume allows automated processing, fastest throughput and, when indicated, repeat or reflex testing.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, submit a Microbiology Request Form (Supply T244) with the specimen.
Specimen must be received in laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
Specimen source is required; include the specific anatomic source. Indicate whether it is a "surface" or "deep/surgical" specimen. Do not label only as "wound."
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Closed abscess
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions: Aspirate the abscess contents with a syringe.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Open abscess, swab, tissue, or fluid
Sources: Abscess, aspirate, lesion, or wound
Container/Tube: Sterile container or culture transport swab
Collection Instructions: For most open lesions and abscesses, remove superficial flora by decontaminating skin before collecting a specimen from advancing margin or base.
Additional Information:
1. If submitting a specimen from a source contaminated with usual flora, send at refrigerated temperature.
2. Refrigerated specimens are not suitable for isolation of Neisseria species.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient
Specimen Minimum Volume Defines the amount of specimen required to perform an assay once, including instrument and container dead space. Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
Reject Due To Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Hemolysis | NA |
| Lipemia | NA |
| Icterus | NA |
| Other | NA |
Specimen Stability Information Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the laboratory. Alternate acceptable temperature(s) are also included.
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Varies | 24 hours |
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