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Bacteriology

Recent fee changes

Keep specimens refrigerated or packed with coolant until cultured. Label swabs and fluids as to the source of the specimen so that the proper culture medium can be utilized. Labeling is imperative and specimens will not be cultured if source is unknown. Submit swabs in transport medium. This prevents drying of swab and death of organisms - a common cause of negative cultures. Request cultures for specific organisms when possible as special media may be needed for certain organisms. EDTA for blood cultures is not recommended. Do Not submit specimens in stoppered tubes, OB sleeves, gloves, coffee cups or syringes.

When requesting tests for microbiology, culture and sensitivity (C&S) requests will go to the bacteriology section. Fungal cultures must be requested specifically. Separate swabs should be sent when requesting C&S, anaerobic and fungal cultures, or virus isolation and electron microscopy (EM).

Fresh tissue - collect aseptically as soon after death as possible. Pack tissues separately in individually labeled bags. This is especially important with sections of intestine (mandatory if you want meaningful results). Ship with ice packs in an insulated container.

Urine - use transport media, keep refrigerated, and submit to arrive at laboratory as soon as possible.

Trichomonas - special transport media required. Call laboratory before collection of sample.

Campylobacter, Mycoplasma - requires special media. Must request separately on submission form.

Milk - submit frozen or packed on ice. Use screw-cap or snap-top plastic tubes. Label each tube with waterproof marker. Leukocyte counts cannot be performed on frozen milk. Indicate whether milk is to be tested for clinical mastitis or bulk tank procedures. Bulk tank samples should be submitted to Tifton. Contact the laboratory at least 24 hours before submitting large numbers of samples (>50).

Botulism - submit serum, urine, stomach contents, feces or feed. At least 2 ml of serum or urine is needed.

Blood cultures - Use sterile, heparinized tubes or, preferably, blood collection bottles.