Test Name
Wound Culture (Abscess, Drainage, Aspirate)
Availability24 hours a day, seven days a week
Lab Section
Microbiology
Test Includes
Gram smear included with culture
Summary Test NameWound Culture (Abscess, Drainage, Aspirate)
Container MicrobiologyWound, abscess, drainage, aspirate, pus, exudate, fistula, incision, lesion, ulcer in sterile container, syringe, swab culture collection/transport system
Transport TimeDeliver to lab within 1 hour of collection
Specimen Stability2 hours at room temperature. 24 hours if refrigerated.
Minimum Volume>.5 ml
Specimen TransportRoom Temperature
Test Turnaround Time Routines And StatsNegative at 2 days; Preliminary reports issued at 18 - 24 hours.
Reference ValueNo Growth
Test ResultsNo growth at 2 days or quantity of bacteria. Id and sensitivity performed according to laboratory criteria