Abscesses and deep wounds (culture)

About This Test
Department: 

Infection Science - Bacteriology

Requirement:

Abscess pus (minimum 1ml)

Abscess swab

Deep-seated pus swab,

Intra-operative pus

Post-operative wound swab

Wound exudate

 

Turnaround Time:

2-3 days routine. Up to 7 days for anaerobes,  Actinomyces culture 10-14 days

Culture for common bacterial pathogens, gram stain on selected samples.

Other Comments:

Collection container:

Sterile plain container (pus samples) Pink topped Copan e swab – liquid Amies transport media
NB Do not use lilac topped  REMEL swabs – check the label 

Special instructions - 

  • Relevant clinical data and details of recent or current antimicrobial treatment should be provided.
  • Collect specimens before antimicrobial therapy where possible.
  • Samples of pus are preferred to swabs.
  • If swab is taken, the deepest part of the wound should be sampled.
  • Clean the superficial area prior to swabbing
  • Swab avoiding the superficial microflora.
  • State specific anatomical site of sample.
NB PLEASE STATE IF HISTORY OF IV DRUG USE, CONTACT WITH ANIMALS OR LIVESTOCK, RECENT OR PROLONGED FOREIGN TRAVEL

Specimen transport: If processing is delayed, refrigeration is preferable to storage at ambient temperature