Specimen Requirements

Specimens received in lab within 2 hours of collection are preferred.

Specimens received after 2 hours but within 24 hours of collection will be accepted.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Acceptable specimens:

Ascitic, pericardial, peritoneal, pleural, or thoracic fluid

Ascitic, Peritoneal, Pleural, or Thoracic Fluid

1. Submit 5 to 10 mL of body fluid in a screw-capped, sterile container. (Improperly labeled specimen, specimen in non-sterile or leaky container, specimen received >2 hours of collection, or specimen submitted in open bag is not acceptable.) If tuberculosis is suspected, it is desirable to submit 50 to 100 mL of anticoagulated body fluid for examination.

2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of collection, type of specimen, and collector’s initials.

3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note: Patient’s age, sex, clinical diagnosis, collection date and time, current antibiotic therapy, and specimen source are required.

Pericardial Fluid

1. Submit 5 to 10 mL of pericardial fluid in a BACTEC culture vial. (Improperly labeled specimen, specimen in non-sterile or leaky container, specimen received >2 hours of collection, or specimen submitted in open bag is not acceptable.)

2. Label vial with patient’s name (first and last), date and time of collection, type of specimen, and collector’s initials.

3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note: Patient’s age, sex, clinical diagnosis, collection date and time, current antibiotic therapy, and specimen source are required.