Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 30 minutes of collection.

Collect specimen using sterile technique as follows:
1. Submit specimen in a capped syringe or a sterile, leakproof container.
2. CSF specimens are usually submitted in 3 sterile, leakproof tubes. A minimum of 1 mL should be submitted to the Microbiology Department.
3. Label container with patient’s information, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
4. Forward specimen promptly.

Note:  Maximum storage of specimen is 2 hours at ambient temperature.

5. If transport is delayed, an aerobic/anaerobic transport tube (A.C.T. I) is supplied and should be used.
Note:  1. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

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. 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.

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