Wound Culture and Gram Stain
Also known as: MC W
Use
This test is used to identify bacteria present in wound infections. The test involves a Gram stain, culture, and identification of bacterial species from wound samples, which may include aspirates, purulent material, or swabs. The identification of the types of bacteria present assists in determining the appropriate antibiotic therapy for wound infections.
Special Instructions
It is important to note that the Gram stain, identification, and susceptibility tests are billed separately from the culture. For deeper wound or surgical culture, anaerobe culture is recommended and should be ordered as a separate test (Anaerobe Culture test code: 0060143).
Limitations
Anaerobic bacteria are not covered in this test and require a separate anaerobe culture test. Refrigerated specimens are not recommended for certain fastidious organisms like Neisseria spp., and the sample stability varies depending on the container and temperature, influencing the recovery of various organisms.
New York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6462-6
Result Turnaround Time
1-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Sterile container or anaerobe transport media
Collection Instructions
Aspirate fluid should be transferred to a sterile container. Purulent materials should be transferred to a sterile tube or anaerobe transport media. Swabs should be placed in Eswab transport media.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Syringes with needle attached, dry swabs.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours for sterile container, 48 hours for Eswab |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable for sterile container, 48 hours for Eswab |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
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