Collection Intstructions

Note: Biopsy or aspirated material is preferable to swab specimens because the chances of contamination by surface bacteria are decreased and adequate volume is available for optimal organism recovery.

• Be sure to submit the appropriate aerobic specimen in aprallel with the anaerobic sample.

• Obtain a Port-A-Cul vial (for fluid or aspirated material) or Vacutainer Anaerobic Specimen Collector (for swab specimens) as needed.

Deep Wounds or Abscesses

1. Disinfect surface of the wound with 70% alcohol and then with anti-septic iodine solution. Allow disinfectant to dry before collecting specimen.

2. Using a 3-5mL syringe with a 22-23 gauge needle, aspirate the deepest portion of the lesion.

3. Aseptically transfer aspirated material into a Port-A-Cul Vial.

4. If s swab must be used, use a BD Vacutainer Anaerobic specimen collection swab.

5. Remove cap and sample deep within the wound, avoiding any surface contamination. Return swab to culturette tube and gently push cap down until the top of transport cap is flush with the tube.

Superficial Wounds

1. Disinfect surface of the wound with 70% alcohol and then with anti-septic iodine solution. Allow disinfectant to dry before collecting specimen.

2. Aspirate or swab deepest part of wound rather than lesion surface, following guidelines for deep wounds.

Surgically Obtained Samples

1. Submit fluid or pus in Port-A-Cul Vial or use Anaerobic Transport Swab System for swab specimens.

Tissues

1. Submit tissue in sterile, dry container. If specimen material is very small, place in saline-soaked gauze to keep moist.

2. Anaerobic culture is routinely performed on all tissues.

Ulcers

1. Disinfect surface of the wound with 70% alcohol and then with anti-septic iodine solution. Allow disinfectant to dry before collecting specimen.

2. Remove any overlying debris. Aspirate exudate from or swab base of ulcer, following guidelines for deep wounds.