Specimen Requirements

Specimen must be received in laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

Specimen source is required.

If there is a special organism(s) to be tested for, indicate on request form.

Refrigerated specimens are not suitable for isolation of Neisseria species.

Acceptable Specimens: Eye, ear

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Eye

Container/Tube:  ESwab, minitip, or Culturette in sterile transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Remove cap with swab attached. Moisten swab with sterile saline. Dry swab is not acceptable.

2. Collect specimen by retracting lower lid and swab conjunctival surface or collect pus.
3. Place swab in transport tube.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Specimen Type: Ear, external

Container/Tube: ESwab, minitip or Culturette in sterile transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:
1. Cleanse external canal with mild antiseptic.
2. Swab, scrape, or aspirate specimen from active margin, preferably including fresh secretion from deeper areas.
3. Place swab in sterile transport tube.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Specimen Type: Ear, internal

Container/Tube: ESwab, minitip, or Culturette in sterile transport tube

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Cleanse external canal with mild antiseptic.
2. Insert sterile funnel and swab or aspirate specimen from eardrum or beyond.
3. If eardrum is not perforated, specimen should be collected by a physician trained in this procedure.
4. Cultures from mastoid area should be transported anaerobically. An ear culture and anaerobic culture (LAB0200477) will need to be ordered.
5. Place swab in sterile transport tube.
6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.