1 - 4 hours
Test Updated:
Bacterial Smear
Bacterial Vaginosis
BV
Direct Smear, Bacteria
Direct Smear, Gram Stain
GSO
Smear, Gram Stain
GRAM STAIN ONLY
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Test Overview
Microscopic exam
To determine presence or absence of bacteria, yeast, white blood cells and/or clue cells.
Depends on site of specimen
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Specimen Requirements
Appropriate specimen for smear is the same as for culture. Patient preparation is the same as for routine culture of specific site. Collection procedure same as for aerobic bacterial culture of the specific site. Specimen must be collected to avoid contamination with skin, adjacent areas, and non-sterile surfaces. Send in aerobic transport. Rejection criteria: swab is desiccated.
Collect specimen according to instructions for routine culture of specific site. Send in aerobic transport; do not send in anaerobic transport. Refrigerate and send within 24 hours. Indicate specimen source and collection date/time.