Skin Culture and Sensitivity with Gram Stain

General Information

Lab Name

Skin C/S w/Gram

Lab Code

SKINC

Epic Ordering

Culture Skin, Bact w/ Stain

Description

This test is intended for aerobic culture of superficial skin sites only. For all other wound sites, see Place Holder for Wound Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity with Gram Stain [WNDPHC].

Synonyms

Components

Reference Range

See individual components

Guidelines

Specimen Type: Skin (Superficial sites only)
Collection: Remove surface exudate before collecting specimen.

Swab: Preferred method of transport is ESwab. Gel swab is acceptable.

Unacceptable: Specimens collected in Universal Transport Medium (UTM); dry swabs; specimens collected with expired swabs/transport media.
Handling Instructions: Swabs: Transport at room temperature, ideally within 4 hours of collection, but not more than 24 hours after collection.

Specimens will be rejected if received > 24 hours after collection. Viability of organisms is significantly reduced after 24 hours.
Quantity: requested: Eswab
minimum: Eswab

Processing: Order TISC instead if skin BIOPSY. Order TISQNC instead if quantitative skin biopsy; see TISQNC for specimen deadlines.

LIS Dept Code

Microbiology (MC)

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.

Frequency

Processed upon receipt

Available STAT?

Yes-Gram stain