Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container
Collection Instructions:

1. Before removing catheter, cleanse skin around insertion site with an alcohol swab to reduce contaminant skin flora and to remove any residual antimicrobial ointment.
2. After alcohol dries, remove catheter, being very careful not to touch skin surface during withdrawal. Use sterile forceps to withdraw.
3. Ask a second person to open a screw-capped, sterile container.
4. Place catheter over mouth of container, holding it with forceps.
5. Use sterile scissors to cut catheter such that the portion that was inside patient falls into container.
6. If still catheters are being used, break intradermal portion of these into container with a sterile hemostat.
7. Immediately send specimen to laboratory. If there is a delay in transport of >24 hours, add enough sterile saline to sterile container to cover catheter tip.
8. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth or medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
9. Maintain sterility and forward promptly to laboratory in sealed biohazard bag.
Note:  Specimen source is required.