Specimen Requirements

The selection of specimens most likely to contain clinically significant anaerobes is vital. The technique of culturing is critical. All fluid materials should be aspirated and immediately transferred to an anaerobic transport device supplied.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Acceptable Sources:
1. Pus from deep wound or aspirated abscess, especially if associated with foul odor
2. Necrotic tissue or debrided material from suspected gas gangrene
3. Material from infections close to mucous membranes
4. Uterine cultures from post-abortal sepsis (avoiding vaginal contamination)
5. Material from abscesses of the brain, lung, liver, or from intra-abdominal perirectal, or other sites
6. Aspirated fluid from normally sterile or obviously infected sites including peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, synovial fluid, and amniotic fluid (consider ordering 1 of the other specific anaerobic cultures listed in this section)

1. Distinguish between surface wounds and deep or surgical wounds. Anaerobic cultures will not be routinely done on superficial wound specimens.
2. Disinfect skin surface with 70% alcohol. Allow to dry.
3. Aspirate deepest portion of lesion or sinus with a sterile needle and syringe or catheter. Contamination with normal flora from skin, rectum, vagina, or other body surfaces should be avoided.
4. Aseptically transfer 0.5 mL of pus/aspirated material or 1 anaerobic culture transport swab into a screw-capped, sterile container with transport medium or an anaerobic transport device.
5. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate. Refrigeration may inhibit the viability of anaerobic organisms.
Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.