Specimen Requirements

Specimen should be delivered to laboratory within 1 hour of collection.

Container/Tube:  ESwab Culture transport system

Specimen:  Swab of site other than nares. Note:  See MRSA PCR for nares.

Collection Instructions:  Cleanse area around site with a disinfectant to remove superficial skin flora.  Roll swab over surface of site.  Place swab in transport system.

Note:  Label container with patient's full name and 1 additional unique patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record number, emergency ID number, date and time of collection, collector's initials, and type of specimen.