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Specimen Collection

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Bacteriology, Mycology , and Mycobacteriology Specimen Collection Guidelines^a

Specimen Type	Collection Guidelines Device and/or minimum vol		Time and Temp Local Courier or Transport ^b local storage		Replica limits	Comments
Endometrial	1. Collect transcervical aspirate via a telescoping catheter. 2. Transfer the entire amount to an anaerobic transport system.	Anaerobic transport system > 1 ml	< 2 h, RT	< 24 h, RT	1/day
Products of conception	1. Submit a portion of tissue in a sterile container. 2. If obtained by cesarean section, immediately transfer it to an anaerobic transport system	Sterile tube or anaerobic transport system	< 2 h, RT	< 24 h, RT	1/day	Do not process lochia. Culture of this specimen may or may not provide clinically relevant results, and such results can be misleading.
Urethral	Collect 1h after patient has urinated. 1. Remove exudate from the urethral orifice. 2. Collect discharge material on a swab by massaging the urethra against the pubic symphysis through the vagina.	Aerobic swab transport	< 2 h, RT	< 24 h, RT	1/day	If no discharge can be obtained, wash the external urethra with betadine soap with rinse with water. Insert a urethrogenital swab 2-4 cm. into the urethra; rotate swab for 2 s.
Vaginal	1. Wipe away an excessive amount of secretion or discharge. 2. Obtain secretions from the mucosal membrane of the vaginal vault with a sterile swab or pipette. 3. If a smear is also requested, use a second swab.	Aerobic swab transport	< 2 h, RT	< 24 h, RT	1/day	For intrauterine devices, place entire device in a sterile container and submit at RT. Gram staining is recommended for confirmation of bacterial vaginosis. Results from cultures are often inaccurate and misleading.
Genital (female or male): Lesion	1. Clean the lesion with sterile saline and remove the surface of the lesion with a sterile scalpel blade. 2. Allow transudate to accumulate. 3. Pressing the base of the lesion, firmly sample exudate with a sterile swab.	Aerobic swab transport	< 2 h, RT	< 24 h, RT	1/day	Specimens for syphilis should not be submitted for culture.
Genital (male): Prostate	1. Cleanse the glans with soap and water. 2. Massage the prostate through the rectum. 3. Collect fluid on a sterile swab or in a sterile tube.	Aerobic swab transport or sterile tube	< 2 h, RT	< 24 h, RT	1/day	More relevant results may be obtained by adding a urine specimen immediately before and after massage to indicate urethral and bladder organisms. Ejaculate can also be cultured.
Urethra	Insert a urethrogenital swab 2-4 cm. into the urethral lumen, rotate the swab, and leave it in place for at least 2 s to facilitate absorption.	Aerobic swab transport. GC selective place	< 2 h, RT	< 24 h, RT	1/day	See information on virus and chlamydia collection and transport needs.