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Test Code LAB503 Wound Culture

Important Note

Both aerobic and anaerobic wound culture testing can be ordered using test Comprehensive Wound Culture (Aerobic and Anaerobic) LAB4301

 

Gram Stain is included with test.

Test Performed By

Cayuga Medical Center, Main Laboratory

Container Name

Red Double Swab

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

List Price

$143.00 Identification and susceptibility will be done, as applicable, with an extra charge

CPT Codes

87205 | 87071

Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Collection Instructions

Culturette double-swab preferred.

 

Specimen collection is of utmost importance for these specimen types.

 

Clean wound surface mechanically, without a germicidal agent, to remove as much of the superficial normal flora as possible before collecting the sample.

 

For most open lesions and abscesses, remove the superficial flora by decontaminating the skin before collecting a specimen from the advancing margin or base. A closed abscess is the specimen site of choice. Aspirate the abscess contents with a syringe.

Specimen Stability

Stability: 3 days

Clinical and Interpretive

This assay is used in identifying the bacteria responsible for wound infections. Skin and soft tissue infections can occur as a result of a break in the skin surface, or they can occur as complications of surgery, trauma, human, animal, or insect bites, or diseases that interrupt a mucosal or skin surface. Any microorganism found where no resident flora is present is considered significant and is reported. For specimens contaminated with the usual bacterial flora, bacteria that are potentially pathogenic are identified.