At room temperature more than 24 hrs from date of collection Any other sample type other than a dry swab i.e tissue material
Reference Range(s)
Not Detected
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen
Dry swab placed in sterile container
Minimum Volume
1 Swab
Sample Stability
24 hours room temperature 11 days refrigerated
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Collection Instructions
Specimen Collection Instructions: Specimens should be handled as infectious using safe laboratory procedures such as those outlined in CDC guidelines.
Wipe the skin around the wound area. Use 70% ethanol or an equivalent antiseptic to clean the skin around the wound. This reduces contamination risk. Allow the antiseptic to dry completely before proceeding.
Swab the affected area. Open the sterile swab package without touching the swab tip. If the wound has necrotic tissue, crust, scab, etc. carefully remove before swabbing. Roll the sterile swab directly across the affected area. Use firm even pressure to ensure saturation
After collection, place the swab into the labeled sterile container immediately to prevent drying out. Snap the swab at the designated breakpoint and dispose of the broken end. Recap the container.
