Collection Instructions

If preparing slides, use the following protocol. Otherwise, all specimens may be collected in the usual way and submitted to the laboratory for Gram stain preparation.
 

PREPARATION OF SMEARS: Label slide with patient's full name and date of collection with pencil. DO NOT USE MAGIC MARKER.

SWABS:

1. Rotate the swab gently on a clean, dry slide. Spread specimen evenly and thinly.

2. Make smear before plating media when only one swab is available.

THICK SECRETIONS (SPUTUMS, FECES, GASTRICS):

1. Place a representative sample of the specimen on a clean, dry slide with a swab.

2. Using the swab or a second slide spread the specimen evenly and thinly. Too thick a smear is un-interpretable.

CLEAR FLUIDS (CSF):

1. Use sterile slide with two (2) etched circles.

2. With a sterile pipette, deposit a drop of re-suspended sediment within each frosted ring.

VISCOUS FLUIDS (SYNOVIAL, PLEURAL, ETC):

1. Use a sterile pipette to place a drop of re-suspended sediment (or cloudy, un-spun fluid) on a sterile slide.

2. Using a second slide, spread the specimen evenly and thinly.

TISSUES:

1. Prepare imprint smear by touching cut surface of tissue onto sterile slide 3 times.

2. After grinding, place one drop of specimen suspension on slide, press together and pull.

3. Allow the slide(s) to dry thoroughly.