Here are the special specimen collection procedures for culture:
-
Urine
- Transportation Temperature: Transport at room temperature if processed within 2 hours. If processing is delayed, refrigerate at 2−8∘C.
- Transport Media: A sterile, leak-proof container is standard. For delays up to 24 hours, a urine transport tube containing boric acid can be used to prevent bacterial overgrowth.
- Preservation for Culture: Refrigeration at 2−8∘C for up to 24 hours helps maintain pathogen viability and inhibits the proliferation of commensal bacteria.
-
Sputum
- Transportation Temperature: Transport at room temperature (20−25∘C) if processed within 1-2 hours. For longer delays, refrigerate at 2−8∘C.
- Transport Media: A sterile, leak-proof container is typically sufficient for routine bacterial culture. No specialized transport media is usually required.
- Preservation for Culture: Refrigeration at 2−8∘C for up to 24 hours is recommended to preserve the integrity of the specimen and prevent overgrowth of oral flora.
-
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
- Transportation Temperature: CSF specimens require immediate transport to the laboratory at room temperature (20−25∘C). Refrigeration is strictly contraindicated as it can kill sensitive pathogens.
- Transport Media: No transport media is used. CSF is collected directly into sterile tubes.
- Preservation for Culture: The most critical preservation method is immediate processing. If a very short delay is unavoidable, the specimen should be kept at room temperature. For optimal recovery, especially if processing is delayed, CSF can be inoculated directly into a blood culture bottle.
That's 2 down. 3 left today — send the next one.