Fluid culture and Sensitivity with Gram (Orthopedic surgery specimen)

This culture is intended for hardware-associated orthopedic surgical fluid specimens only. If sending hardware, see Wound Culture (special anaerobic for Orthopedic surgery specimen) with Gram [WNDANO]. If sending tissue, see Tissue Culture & Sensitivity (special anaerobic, Ortho surg. specimen) with Gram [TISO].

For routine bacterial fluid cultures, see Place Holder for Body Fluid Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity with Gram Stain (includes anaerobes) [FLDPHC]

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.

Specify exact source of specimen.

Fluid: Transport at room temperature within 2 hours.

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.