Pus specimens may be collected for anaerobic and aerobic bacterial culture. Fungal investigations may also be indicated. Patient history including full clinical details, especially relevant travel history, and the site from which the specimen was collected, are essential details required on the request form. Manual culture and plate reading are used for the investigation. Gram stain results are provided on pus samples but not on swabs of pus.
Tube
White top universal or Copan pink topped swab.
ID
3631
Availability
Mon to Sun 8.30am to 5pm. Acute samples of can be cultured and a microscopy performed out of hours on request.
Additional Information
Indicated for pus obtained by incision and drainage Pus or exudate from abscesses and deep-seated infections which are associated with specific organs (including the skin). Analysis of a specimen of pus is likely to give superior results to swab culture.
Turn Around
10 days.
Send to
LGI Microbiology Department.
Collection Con
Observe aseptic sampling technique. Collect the specimen before commencing antibiotic treatment, if possible. Samples of pus are preferred to swabs. Cleaning the site with sterile saline or 70% alcohol is recommended. Swabs are not the optimal sample type and should not be sent unless it is not possible to send a pus sample in a universal. If necessary swabs should be well soaked in pus. Use Copan eSwabs ( see wound swab for bacterial culture for specimen collection using swabs) Transport the sample to the laboratory as quickly as possible. Note: The recovery of anaerobes is compromised if the transport time exceeds 3 hours.
IP Routine TAT
10 days.
GP Routine TAT
10 days.