Collection Instructions

Overlying and adjacent areas must be carefully disinfected to eliminate contamination with indigenous flora. Contamination with normal flora from skin, rectum, vaginal tract, or other body surfaces must be avoided. Ideally, pus or other fluid obtained by needle aspiration through intact skin or mucosal surface which has been cleaned with antiseptic is sent directly to the laboratory in capped syringe (without needle). Sampling of open lesions is enhanced by deep aspiration using a sterile plastic catheter. Curettings of base of an open lesion are optimal. If irrigation is necessary, nonbacteriostatic sterile normal saline may be used. Lower respiratory samples must be obtained by transtracheal percutaneous needle aspiration. Specimens not collected in a Anaerobe transport vial must be transported to the Clinical Laboratory without delay.