C&S, Aerobic Culture

Standard reference procedures for gram stain, aerobic culture, and identification of potential pathogen; susceptibility performed when indicated  

Daily; gram stain results same day, preliminary results at 24h, final results at 48-72h

Skin, ear, nasopharyngeal, wound, placenta, vaginal, cervical

Collect 2 sterile culturette swabs labeled with source; use enough sterile saline to moisten the tissue if using a sterile container
Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and required 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms

No minimum

Prior to and during shipment:  Refrigerate 2-8°C. 

Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport:  Seal screw-top tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material.

Place specimen inside leak proof secondary container (biohazard bag and if transporting by air, use Tyvek™ Envelope) with adsorbent material. The secondary container must be packed inside an approved Category B shipping container. Position NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order form between secondary container and box lid. Seal with tape. Label outer box as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Transport by NPHL ground courier. If courier not available, ship by FedEx, UPS, or USPS (1st Class, Priority or Express Mail). Follow appropriate DOT/IATA Regulation Guidelines. For assistance, call NPHL State Training Coordinator at (402) 559-3590.

See instructions and shipping address: http://nphl.org/

NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.

Dry swab, improper storage, swab of uncleaned wound site.

Stable at Refrigerated 2-8°C for 24hr

No growth in 48 hours

Refer to Nebraska DHHS Title 173, Communicable Diseases.

Pre-approval needed from state or local health department.  Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.