Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Swab
Collection Instructions: 

Abscess:
1. Collect specimen using a culture transport swab.
2. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.
3. 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.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note:  Specimen source is required.

Wound:
1. Prepare site:  wash wound margins well with surgical soap followed by 70% alcohol.
2. Use a culture transport swab to obtain specimen.
3. Remove cap with swab attached.
4. Obtain swab specimen from deep wound and/or drainage.
5. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.
6. 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.
7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note:  Specimen source is required.