Specimen Requirements

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

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Scrapings
Collect corneal scrapings as follows:
1. Scraping should be done by an ophthalmologist.
2. Use local anesthetic and platinum spatula.
3. Rub spatula with scrapings gently over small area on slide.
4. If too dry, use very small amount of sterile water.
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. Place slides in a cardboard slide holder.

Note:  Specimen source is required.

Swab

Culture transport swab collected from affected area as follows:
1. Take swab for culture before application of topical anesthetics because topical anesthetics possess antimicrobial activity.

2. Cleanse skin around eye with mild antiseptic.
3. Gently remove makeup and ointment with sterile cotton and saline.
4. Collect the specimen by swabbing.
5. Pass moistened swab 2 times over lower conjunctiva.
6. Avoid eyelid border and lashes. (Culture these separately in a similar fashion, if indicated.)

7. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.
8. Label tube 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 at ambient temperature only.
Note:  Specimen source is required.