3-4 days. Preliminary report available every 24-hours. Final report available in 72-hours.
If a fastidious organism is observed, the listed turnaround time may be extended.
Container
Culturette, red top or white top tube with fluid, or other sterile container. Samples collected in EDTA tube are not acceptable.
Specimen
Culturette from fluid (body cavity fluids), TTW, BAL, wound, lesion, or skin. Tissue sample in saline.
Test Description
Aerobic Culture and MIC sensitivity testing.
This test is used when an aerobic bacterial infection is suspected in a tissue or fluid. In the case of a positive culture of relevant bacteria, sensitivities are performed and reported.
Interferences: Prior to culture submission, patient should be off antibiotics for seven to ten days.
Note: When submitting samples from multiple sources, each culture source should be a separate submission: each with a sample (labeled accordingly with source) and a Test Requisition Form (TRF). When submitting fluid, place it in a RTT. Samples collected in EDTA are not acceptable. Submit tissue samples in RTT with a few drops of saline (to keep moist) and refrigerate prior to transportation to laboratory.