Collection Instructions

BODY FLUIDS/TISSUE SPECIMENS:

1. Submit specimen in sterile, leak-proof container.
2. 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.
2. Place specimen into a 0.5 mL sterile saline vial.

GENITAL SPECIMENS:

1. Aspirate discharge or absorb vaginal/cervical exudate into cotton swab.
2. 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.
2. 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.
2. Wash with alcohol pledget; let dry.
3. Scrape 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.
2. Scrape lesion vigorously.
3. Place blade in sterile, dry container.

PHARYNGEAL SPECIMENS:

1. Obtain a dual swab and remove swab from transport tube.
2. Use tongue depressor to hold down patient's tongue so that the throat is well exposed and illuminated.
3. 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.
4. Replace swabs into Culturette; DO NOT CRUSH AMPULE

SKIN SAMPLES:

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

SPUTUMS:

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