Fluid Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity (Special Anaerobic) with Gram Stain

General Information

Lab Name

Fluid C/S w/Gram

Lab Code

FLDANC

Epic Name

CULTURE:BACT-FLD,ANAER AND GRAM STAIN

Description

This test is intended for the culture of sterile body fluids (other than urine, blood or CSF).

If > 3 mL sterile fluid is received, fluid will be inoculated into blood culture bottles as well as onto solid media. See Fluid Bacterial C/S in Blood Culture Bottles with Gram Stain [FLDGBC].

Synonyms

Anaerobic Fluid Culture, Fluid Anaerobic Culture

Components

Guidelines

Reference Range

See individual components

Specimen Type: Fluid from sterile site
Collection: Optimal: Collect fluid in syringe (remove needle, expel air and cap syringe) or in sterile, leak-proof container.

Swabs are accepted but not optimal: Preferred method of transport is ESwab. Gel swab is acceptable.

Unacceptable: Specimens collected in Universal Transport Medium (UTM); dry swabs; syringes with needles; leaking specimens, specimens collected with expired swabs/transport media.
Handling Instructions: Specify exact source of specimen and "R/O Anaerobes" for optimal workup

Fluid: Transport at room temperature within 2 hours of collection.

Swabs: Transport at room temperature within 4 hours of collection.

Cold temperature reduces the viability of anaerobes.

Specimens will be rejected if received > 24 hours after collection. Viability of organisms is significantly reduced after 24 hours.

If cell count is also requested, see Cell Count, Body Fluid [FCCNT] & send EDTA (lavender top) tube within 1 hour.
Quantity: Requested: As much fluid as possible
Minimum: 1 mL fluid, ESwab

Receiving Instructions: If > 1 mL sterile fluid is received, order FLDGBC.

If specimen is collected from a drain (i.e. JP, Penrose, etc.), order FLDC UNLESS from newly placed or IR collected drain.

Anaerobes must be cultured ASAP to maintain viability.

HMC: ADDCON fee is added for centrifugation of specimens >2 mL.

Lab Department

Microbiology(MC)

Frequency

Processed upon receipt

Available STAT?

Yes-Gram

Performing Location(s)

HMC	Microbiology 206-744-5858 325 9th Ave, Rm # GWH-47, Seattle, WA 98104-2420
UW-MT	Microbiology 206-520-4600 Clinical Lab, Room # NW177, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific street, Seattle, WA 98195

Other Locations/Notes

UW-MT Microbiology performs testing for UW-MT and UW-NW.