Specimen Type: Varied Swab (sites vary: state source of specimen)
Container/Tube: ESwab (preferred)*
Collection Instructions:

1. Cleanse skin or mucosal area
2. Open wounds, debride and rinse w/sterile saline
3. Sample viable infected tissue, not superficial debris.

How to use ESwab:

1. Open the peel pouch and remove the contents. Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the ESwab.

2. Place the tube in a secure position so as not to allow the liquid to leak out of the tube.

3. Remove the swab. Collect the patient's sample using the swab. 

4. Insert the swab back into the tube of liquid, all the way to the bottom of the tube.

5. Holding the swab shaft close to the rim of the tube, break the applicator shaft at the color breakpoint indication line.

6. Screw the cap on tightly to prevent leakage. Discard the broken handle of the shaft into an approved medical waste disposal container.

7. Write the patient's information (Name and Date of Birth) on the tube or apply a label with patient’s information. Indicate source.

8. Send specimen to the Laboratory.

Transport Temperature: Ambient

NOTE: The ESwab fluid maintains the viability of diverse bacteria. Do not send a dry ESwab as this will lead to unsatisfactory results. If the tube spills its contents prior to inserting the swab, the liquid is non-toxic. Simply put the swab into another tube before sending it to the laboratory and discard the spilled tube.

The following swabs are acceptable but Spectrum Health Laboratory does not supply these swab types:

• Aerobic/Anaerobic: BBL Culture Swab Plus (Amies Gel), Cardinal Health Swab, or Charcoal Swab
• Aerobic ONLY: BBL Culture Swab (Red or green top with sponge) 

Specimen Type: Corneal scrapings

Container/Tube: 1 Blood agar plate, 1 Chocolate agar plate, 1 air-dried slide for gram stain

Collection Instructions:   Order bacterial, fungal, and AFB test components separately.  Please state on the requisition that the sample is for eye profile protocol.

Send aspirates for abcesses, see body fluid culture.