Actinomyces Culture IUD Device – order ANAEROBIC CULTURE and request ACTINOMYCES WORKUP
POWERCHART ORDER – Anaerobic Culture (specify in notes looking for Actinomyces)
Useful For
Actinomyces spp. may cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women who use intrauterine contraceptive devices. Upon removal, such devices are sometimes submitted for culture to rule out actinomyces infection. The culture of actinomyces is problematic, in that it is an anaerobic organism that is very slow growing. This necessitates the use of special anaerobic media and atmosphere for its recovery. In addition, because of its slow rate of growth, it may be easily overgrown by other normal anaerobic flora present in the vaginal canal. To address this problem, an extended streaking technique is employed, along with an extended incubation period.
Actinomyces species can also be found in other sources such as deep abscesses and dental / oropharyngeal cavities. Actinomyces can be isolated upon a longer culture incubation time under anaerobic conditions.
Method Name
Culture
Aliases
Iud Culture,actinomyces,actinomyces Culture
Specimen Type
- IUD Device
- Tissue / Aspirate
- Swab
Specimen Required
- IUD Device- transport immediately to the laboratory
- Tissue / Aspirate – use Anaerobic A.C.T. or STARSwab tube
- Swab – use Anaerobic Star Swab tube
Swabs and Tissue/Aspirates in Anaerobic transport media are good for 48 hours at room temperature.
Transport at Room Temperature.
Specimen Minimum Volume
- IUD Device- entire device
- Tissue / Aspirate – use Anaerobic A.C.T. or STARSwab tube – small piece of tissue or 1 ml aspirate
- Swab – use Anaerobic Star Swab tube – 1 swab
Specimen Stability Information
- Swabs and Tissue/Aspirates in Anaerobic transport media are good for 48 hours at room temperature.
- Transport IUD device immediately post removal procedure.
- Transport at Room Temperature.
Rejected Due To
- Swabs and Tissue/Aspirates in Anaerobic media not transported within 48 hours at room temperature.
- IUD device not trnsported immediately post removal procedure.
- Specimen not transported at Room Temperature.
Performing Laboratory
Glens Falls Hospital Microbiology Laboratory
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
- Day Shift
- 7 days per week
Analytical Time
14 days
Specimen Retention Time
72 hours
Analytical Time
14 days