Collect swab specimen using a Routine Culture transport swab. Collect sputum in a sputum collection kit. Collect other fluids in a sterile plastic container.
Stability:
Swab specimen 24 hours ambient. Allother specimens 2 hours ambient or 24 hours refrigerated. All specimen types unstable frozen.
Standard Volume:
Minimum volume: 1 mL fluid
Transport:
Swab ambient. All other specimens refrigerated.
Comments:
Tests will be performed to rule out or confirm methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Additional charges will be added for these tests.
Rejection Criteria:
Delayed transport; unsterile container; specimen submitted in lavender top tube (EDTA); frozen specimen; swab not in transport media. Unless specimen is considered to be difficult to recollect, leaking containers will be rejected if the source is respiratory or if there is any indication of mycobacterial infection such as clinical history or orders for acid fast bacillus (AFB) culture and/or smear.