Turnaround Time Direct exam: Results are available same day (Mon-Fri). Physicians will be notified of all positive smears and cultures as soon as results are available. Negative cultures are reported after 4-6 weeks.
Special Instructions The following information must be provided to the laboratory for the proper processing of specimens: specific site of specimen, current antibiotic therapy, age and sex of patient, collection time and date, physician's name and pager number, and clinical diagnosis or underlying disease (immunosuppressed, transplant, malignancy, etc).
Specimen Tissue, biopsy, body fluids, respiratory specimens, cerebrospinal fluid
Container Sterile container, tissue in sterile saline, no preservatives
Collection Collect aseptically. Do not add preservatives or fixative.
Storage Instructions Transport specimen to the laboratory immediately. Keep at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection Specimen in fixative solution, specimen not received in a sterile container. If an unacceptable specimen is received, the appropriate nursing station will be notified and another specimen will be requested.
1 mm3; fluids: 5 mL