Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection.

Disinfect area overlying the abscess. Aspirate the abscess contents with a syringe. Submit specimen in a capped syringe or a sterile, leakproof container. If transport is delayed, an aerobic/anaerobic transport tube (A.C.T. I) is supplied and should be used.

1. To inoculate swab specimens to A.C.T. I tubes, remove cap from tube, and quickly insert swab deep into agar. Break swab shaft evenly with lip of tube. Replace cap and quickly tighten to minimize exposure to air.
2. For aspirated specimens, swab rubber stopper of tube with an appropriate disinfectant such as alcohol. Push needle through rubber stopper and slowly inject material on top of agar in tube. Remove needle and disinfect rubber stopper again.
3. For solid specimens, remove cap and quickly place specimen on top of agar. Aseptically, push specimen at least 1/2 inch into agar. Replace cap and quickly tighten to minimize exposure to air.
4. Do not use A.C.T. I tubes if there is evidence of contamination, more than 3 mm of the medium is oxidized (indicated by a pink or lavender color), expiration date has passed, agar is broken, or there are other signs of deterioration.
5. Label container with patient’s information, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

6. Forward specimen promptly.

Note:  Maximum storage of specimen in A.C.T. I tube is 24 hours at ambient temperature.