Collection Instructions

SUBMIT ONLY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIMENS:

Preferred:

Specimen Type: Skin scrapings (Scabies)
Container/Tube: Glass slide(s) within sterile specimen container
Collection Instructions:

1. Observe for burrows into the skin that appear slightly raised and curved.  Sites generally appear on the sides of fingers, interdigital web, flexor surface of the wrists, elbows, nipples, and penis.  Papules, patches, or pustules may be seen on the abdomen, thigh, and buttock. The female mite lays eggs in the tunnel and will be located at the end of burrows.
2. Using a scalpel or the edge of a glass slide with a drop of mineral oil, apply firm pressure and scrape skin onto a clean dry slide.
3. Secure a second clean slide (tape or rubber band) on top of the skin scrapings, and place slide(s) in a sterile specimen container.
4. Transport to the lab at ambient temperature for examination.

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: Skin scrapings (Scabies)

Container/Tube: Loose scrapings within sterile specimen container

Specimen Type: Punch biopsy

Container/Tube: Sterile specimen container

Note: Spectrum Health Laboratory does not supply mineral oil or slides.

• Mineral oil can be ordered through Workday (internally ITM-1129463) or a vendor of your choice.
• Super frost slides can be ordered through Workday (internally ITM-1060528) or a vendor of your choice 

Specimen Type: Abscess aspirate fluid (Liver Fluke, E. histolytica, Echinococcus)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Transport Temperature: Send refrigerated or on wet ice. Deliver to Lab immediately

Specimen Type: Urine (for Schistosoma)

Container/Tube: Sterile container (unpreserved)

Collection Instructions: Collect midday between 12pm - 2pm

• Detailed Instructions (link): Patient Collection Instructions
• Detailed Instructions (link): Urine Collection Guide for Staff

Transport Temperature: Send refrigerated or on wet ice. Deliver to Lab immediately

Specimen Type: Urine (Trichomonas for Female Patients only)

Container/Tube: Sterile container (unpreserved)

Collection Instructions: First Void Urine

• Detailed Instructions (link): Patient Collection Instructions
• Detailed Instructions (link): Urine Collection Guide for Staff

Transport Temperature: Send room temperature. Deliver to Lab immediately

Specimen Type: Sputum (Lung Fluke, Hookworm, Strongyloides, Ascaris, Echinococcus)

Container/Tube: Sterile container (unpreserved)

Collection Instructions: 

1. Rinse mouth with water or saline prior to collection

2. Collect four or five deep coughs in a sterile specimen container

3. Place cap on the container

4. Label with orders (include source: sputum)

5. Deliver to lab immediately

Transport Temperature: Send room temperature. Deliver to Lab immediately

Specimen Type: BAL or Bronchial Washing (Lung Fluke, Hookworm, Strongyloides, Ascaris, Echinococcus)

Container/Tube: Sterile container (unpreserved)

Transport Temperature: Send refrigerated or on wet ice. Deliver to Lab immediately