Podcast
Questions and Answers
Match the specimen type with its collection method for abscess (pus):
Match the specimen type with its collection method for abscess (pus):
Purulent material = Aseptic collection with a sterile needle and syringe Miliary abscess = Open with a sterile scalpel and collect expressed material AFB culture = Transfer at least 1 ml of aspirated material into a sterile container Swabs = Not accepted for mycobacterial cultures
Match the specimen type with its optimal collection technique for bullae and vesicles:
Match the specimen type with its optimal collection technique for bullae and vesicles:
Fluid/purulent material = Aspirate using a sterile needle and syringe No material obtained = Unroof vesicle or bullous lesion and use Dacron swab Aspirate sample = Place in appropriate bacterial transport tube Dacron swab = Collect cells from the base of the lesion
Match the conditions with their specimen collection guidelines for cellulitis:
Match the conditions with their specimen collection guidelines for cellulitis:
Unusual organism suspected = Leading-edge punch biopsy is recommended Etiologic agents = Swabs and leading-edge aspirates fail to yield Biopsy specimen = Place in a sterile container with non-bacteriostatic saline Aspirate procedures = Should be conducted with or without saline injection
Match the type of wound with its specimen collection advice:
Match the type of wound with its specimen collection advice:
Match the recommendation with its related specimen type for complex wounds:
Match the recommendation with its related specimen type for complex wounds:
Match the collection method with the type of culture for abscesses:
Match the collection method with the type of culture for abscesses:
Match the statement with its applicable condition for specimen collection:
Match the statement with its applicable condition for specimen collection:
Match the collection procedure with the respective procedure for open wounds:
Match the collection procedure with the respective procedure for open wounds:
Flashcards
Abscess
Abscess
Collecting pus (purulent material) with a sterile needle and syringe from an undrained abscess.
Bullae/Vesicles
Bullae/Vesicles
Collecting fluid or pus from a blister with a sterile syringe. If empty, unroof the lesion and swab cells from the base.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis
Swabs and aspirates are often ineffective. For unusual organisms suspecting a leading-edge biopsy is preferred.
Sinus Tracts
Sinus Tracts
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Open Wounds
Open Wounds
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AFB Culture from Abscess
AFB Culture from Abscess
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Swab Collection for Abscesses
Swab Collection for Abscesses
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Gram Stain from Swab
Gram Stain from Swab
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Study Notes
Specimen Collection for Microbiological Studies
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Abscess (Pus):
- Decontaminate the surface with 70-95% alcohol and 1-2% iodine tincture.
- Collect pus aseptically from an undrained abscess using a sterile needle and syringe.
- Open miliary abscesses with a sterile scalpel, collecting expressed material with a sterile needle and syringe.
- Transfer 5-10 ml of the aspirated material to a sterile container.
- Transport immediately.
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Bullae, Vesicles:
- Cleanse the skin as for blood cultures.
- Aspirate the fluid/pus using a sterile needle and syringe.
- If an aspirate is obtained, place in the appropriate bacterial transport tube or sterile container.
- If no material is obtained, unroof the vesicle/bulla and use a Dacron swab to collect cells from the base of the lesion.
- Place in appropriate bacterial transport media.
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Cellulitis:
- Swabs and leading-edge aspirates often fail to yield etiologic agents.
- If an unusual organism is suspected, a leading-edge (advancing margin) punch biopsy is recommended.
- Place the biopsy specimen in a sterile container with a small volume of non-bacteriostatic saline.
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Wounds (Closed):
- Refer to Abscess, Bullae, Cellulitis, and Vesicles protocols.
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Wounds (Open):
- Clean the wound surface mechanically, removing superficial flora.
- Attempt to culture the base or edges to avoid "normal flora."
- Preferred specimens for sinus tracts:
- Aspirates of material obtained by needle or catheterization.
- Curettings from the sinus lining.
- Swabs are less preferred, unless aspirates/curettings are difficult to obtain.
- Swabs may not accurately reflect the underlying disease.
- Do not submit cultures of superficial lesions for anaerobic culture.
- Biopsy of the advancing wound margin is the preferred specimen for anaerobes, mycobacteria, and fungi.
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Tissue:
- Tissue collection is an invasive procedure needing a trained physician.
- Collect tissue aseptically, including material from both the center and edge of the lesion.
- Place the specimen in a sterile container on sterile gauze moistened with sterile nonbacteriostatic saline.
- Transport within one hour at ambient temperature to preserve anaerobic organisms.
- Do not submit tissue in formalin.
- Do not use a swab to directly jam tissue into a Culturette.
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General Notes:
- Anaerobic transport media are not suitable for AFB culture.
- At least 1 ml of aspirated material should be transferred to a sterile container for AFB cultures (to avoid drying).
- Swabs are generally not optimal for fungal, anaerobic, or mycobacterial cultures, or for perirectal/oral abscesses.
- Two swabs are needed for Gram stains.
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