Test Overview
Culture
Isolate and identify infecting organisms
No growth
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Fastidious organisms may not be isolated even though they are present in the specimen if recommended transport time is exceeded.
If the culture grows 3 or more significant organisms, no further identification or susceptibilities will be done except on: Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin resistant Enterococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii complex, Group A Beta Streptococcus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Test Details
STAT gram stain requests are reported within 60 minutes. A call back number must be on the requisition submitted with the STAT gram stain request.
Preliminary results are reported in 18-24 hours. The health care provider will be notified of positive deep tissue or bone cultures. Negative cultures are reported after 4 days.
- Tissue Culture, Aerobic
- Biopsy, Aerobic Culture
- Bone, Aerobic Culture
- Culture, Tissue, Aerobic
- Surgical Specimen, Aerobic Culture
Specimen Requirements
Collect surgical tissue, bone, or biopsy material. The portion of the surgical specimen submitted for this test should be separated from the portion submitted for other testing. Non-Grindable specimens such as bones; the portion of the surgical specimen submitted to the Microbiology laboratory should be separated by the surgeon into separate containers for each test code ordered. For optimum recovery, send immediately. If specimen must be stored, refrigerate immediately after specimen collection. Collection: Cleanse area with soap solution. Remove soap with 70% ethanol. Apply 1% tincture of iodine. Iodine must remain on skin 2-4 minutes for maximum effectiveness. Remove with 70% alcohol. If patient is allergic to iodine, alcohol alone can be used. DO NOT touch prepared skin during collection of specimen.
Non-Grindable specimens such as bones; the portion of the surgical specimen submitted to the Microbiology laboratory should be separated by the surgeon into separate containers for each test code ordered.
Refrigerated: Up to 12 hours
Frozen: No
Specimen older than 12 hours.
Specimen received in fixative.
Additional Information
Test includes culture and Gram stain smear if sufficient specimen is received.
STAT Gram stain requests must have a call back number submitted with the STAT request. The sample must be hand delivered to the Core Microbiology Laboratory at UH 2F365.
Potentially pathogenic organisms will be identified. Test includes susceptibility testing of potentially pathogenic organism(s) at an additional charge unless specifically declined. If anaerobes are suspected, submit a properly collected specimen for anaerobic culture.