Specimen Requirements

Optimal times for specimen collection must be based upon both the type of infectious disease process and ability of laboratory to expertly process specimens. The Microbiology Laboratory is not as well staffed during evening and late night hours. Specimens collected late in the evening often do not produce adequate growth by next morning. STAT testing is available at all times for critical tests including blood cultures, body fluid Gram stains, etc.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Hair
1. Collect specimen before medicating.
2. Use a sterile forceps to collect at least 5 to 20 infected hairs with base and shaft intact. Edges of infected area usually contain best material.
3. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
4. Label container with patient’s name, physician’s name, date and time collected, initials of collector, and specimen source.

5. Place container in biohazard transport bag.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note:  Specimen source and site are required on request form for processing.

Nails
1. Wipe the nail with 70% alcohol.
2. Discard first 4 to 5 scrapings. Scrape or clip nail near bed.
3. Place 5 to 20 clippings or scrapings in a screw-capped, sterile container.
4. Label container with patient’s name, physician’s name, date and time collected, initials of collector, and specimen source.

5. Place container in biohazard transport bag.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note:  Specimen source and site are required on request form for processing.

Skin Scrapings
1. Clean skin with 70% alcohol.
2. Scrape skin at active edge with a sterile scalpel blade.
3. Place 5 to 20 pieces of scrapings in a screw-capped, sterile container.
4. Label container with patient’s name, physician’s name, date and time collected, initials of collector, and specimen source.

5. Place container in biohazard transport bag.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note:  Specimen source and site are required on request form for processing.