BODY FLUIDS/TISSUE SPECIMENS:

1. Submit specimen in sterile, leak-proof container
   • For suspected fungus in CSF specimens, see procedure for "Cryptococcal Antigen Detection /India Ink Examination".

EXUDATES:

1. Aspirate pus from ulcer or lesion with sterile syringe, or absorb exudate into cotton swab.
   • Place specimen into a 0.5 mL sterile saline vial.

GENITAL SPECIMENS:

1. Aspirate discharge or absorb vaginal/cervical exudate into cotton swab.
   • Place specimen into a 0.5 mL sterile saline vial.

HAIR SAMPLES:

1. Examine patient's hair or beard for broken hairs, crusted areas, or short hairs with gray, dusty appearance.
   • Pluck out 10-12 hairs with forceps or several with scalpel (infected hairs are easily removed). Place in sterile, dry container.

NAIL SAMPLES:

1. Look for thickened or discolored areas under edges or at nail borders.
   • Wash with alcohol pledget; let dry.
     • Scrap debris from infected area with scalpel into sterile, dry container.

ORAL SPECIMENS:

1. Split a tongue blade in half longitudinally, or use other suitable sterile scraper. Scrape lesion vigorously. Place blade in sterile, dry container.

PHARYNGEAL SPECIMENS:

1. Obtain a dual swab and remove swab from transport tube.
   • Use tongue depressor to hold down patient's tongue so that the throat is well exposed and illuminated.
     • Vigorously rub both swabs over the back of the throat, both tonsils, and any areas of inflammation, exudation, or ulceration.
       • AVOID touching the tongue, cheeks, or lips with the swabs. Replace swabs into Culturette; DO NOT CRUSH AMPULE

SKIN SAMPLES:

1. Wash skin with alcohol wipe and let dry.
   • Use sterile scalpel blade to obtain scrapings from the margin of an active lesion.
     • Place scrapings into a sterile dry container.

SPUTUMS:

1. If possible, have patient rinse mouth and gargle with water prior to specimen collection.
   • Instruct patient to cough DEEPLY into sterile, leak-proof container. Saliva and/or postnasal discharge are NOT suitable.