Standard culture methodology screens routinely for beta-strep group b, neisseria gonorrhoeae, listeria, gardnerella, yeast (not speciated)
Rejection Criteria
Viral transport media Swabs collected more than 2 days prior to submission Dry swabs Non-sterile or leaking containers Expired transport media Frozen specimens Specimens in fixative (formalin) Swabs not submitted in transport media Specimens submitted in tissue paper
Reference Range(s)
Variable
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen
Dual culture swab in transport media
Minimum Volume
Single swab
Sample Stability
1 day room temperature Samples received 24-48 hours after collection will be reported with the following comment: “specimen was not received into the laboratory within 24 hours. Some organisms may have significant loss of viability. Recollection should be considered.
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Collection Instructions
Inoculated swab in transport media. Room temperature.