Test Code WCSUP Superficial Wound Culture
Specimen Type
Swab of pus or other material properly obtained from a wound site or abscess
Preferred Collection Container
E-SWABCollection Volume
1 swab
Minimum Collection Volume
1 swab
Collection Instructions
Contamination with normal flora from skin, rectum, vaginal tracts, or other body surfaces should be avoided. Overlying and adjacent areas must be carefully prepared to eliminate isolation of surface (inconsequential) organisms.
Rejection Criteria
Inadequate labeling; Improper collection; Dry swab
Specimen Storage and Stability
<48 hours at Room Temperature
Turn Around Time
Cultures with no growth will be reported at 2 days. Reports on specimens from which pathogens are isolated will take a minimum of 2 days for completion.
Lab Department
Microbiology
Alias
Superficial Wound Culture; Culture, Wound; Abscess Culture; Pus Culture; Wound Culture, Superficial;
Ordering Info
CULTURE INCLUDES:
Gram stain, and susceptibility when appropriate.
NOTE: Superficial wound swabs are unacceptable for anaerobe cultures.
EPIC Code
LAB503
Acceptable Collection Container
Eswab-White or Blue (Mini-tip) Cap
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
6:00am – 12:30am