Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

External

0.5 mL of fluid or BD ESwab collected from affected area as follows:

1. Cleanse external canal with mild antiseptic.

2. If using a syringe to collect a fluid, aspirate the specimen from active margin, preferably including fresh secretion from deeper areas. Replace needle with a sterile, rubber cap prior to transport to the lab.

3.  If using an ESwab, collect the specimen using the swab provided in the BD ESwab Collection and Transport System from the active margin, preferably including fresh secretions from deeper area. Be sure not to touch below the red breakpoint line to avoid contamination.

4. Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the tube.

5. Insert the swab into the tube and bend the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the red line marked on the swab shaft against the tube to break the shaft. Discard the broken handle part of the swab shaft.

6. Replace the cap on the tube and secure it tightly.

7. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), MR# or DOB, date and actual time of collection and type of specimen.

8. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

Note:  1. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

            2. Topical ointments or drugs in or on site to be cultured must be avoided.

            3. ESwab is acceptable up to 48 hours after collection

Internal

0.5 mL of fluid or BD ESwab collected from affected area as follows:

1. Cleanse external canal with mild antiseptic.

2. Insert sterile funnel and swab or aspirate specimen from eardrum or beyond.

3. If eardrum is not perforated, specimen should be collected by a physician trained in this procedure.

4. If using a syringe to collect a fluid, aspirate the specimen from active margin, preferably including fresh secretion from deeper areas. Replace needle with a sterile, rubber cap prior to transport to the lab.

5.  If using an ESwab, collect the specimen using the swab provided in the BD ESwab Collection and Transport System from the active margin, preferably including fresh secretions from deeper area. Be sure not to touch below the red breakpoint line to avoid contamination.

6. Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the tube.

7. Insert the swab into the tube and bend the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the red line marked on the swab shaft against the tube to break the shaft. Discard the broken handle part of the swab shaft.

8. Replace the cap on the tube and secure it tightly.

9. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), MR# or DOB, date and actual time of collection and type of specimen.

10. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

Note:  1. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

            2. Topical ointments or drugs in or on site to be cultured must be avoided.

            3. ESwab is acceptable up to 48 hours after collection