Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Sterile swab or capped sterile syringe 
Minimum Volume: N/A 
Collection Instructions: 

External

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 culture transport tube.
4. If a syringe is used, remove needle and forward to laboratory with sterile cap replaced on syringe.
5. 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.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note:  1. Topical ointments or drugs in or on the site to be cultured must be avoided.

Internal
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. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.
5. 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.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note:  1. Topical ointments or drugs in or on the site to be cultured must be avoided.