Aspirate/Tissue Culture

Aspirate or Tissue Culture for Bacteriologic Exam

POWERCHART ORDER –  Tissue/Aspirate Culture , Aspirate/Tissue Culture

Useful For

While tissue and fluids from internal body cavities and joint capsules are normally sterile, infectious organisms can be introduced from adjacent “dirty” areas due to trauma or infectious processes originating in those areas or due to surgery or other invasive procedures. In most instances, tissue or aspirated material taken from the surgical site, is the optimal specimen for the isolation of infecting organisms. Most isolates are generally considered to be significant, unless the specimen was taken from the peritoneal cavity post rupture of the appendix. In these instances, culture workup is curtailed on specimens demonstrating mixed organism populations and results are qualified accordingly.

Method Name

Culture

Aliases

Aspirate,tissue,aspirate Culture,tissue Culture

Specimen Type

Tissues – collected post debridement -please do not submit the necrotic debrided tissue.

Aspirates – from body cavities – not sterile body fluid sites

Fine Needle Aspirate or Punch Biopsy Tissue – Since these specimens are very tiny, they should go into a blue top conical tube with a small amount of sterile saline. Note: This sample will be good for culture only. Transport at room temperature. Must be received within 2hrs of collection.

Note: Bile will be considered an aspirate.

 

Specimen Required

  • Collect specimens in a clean, sterile, leak-proof container.
  • A small amount of sterile physiological saline should be added to tissue specimens to prevent desiccation. Alternately, a Starswab or A.C.T. tube may be used.
  • Specimens must be received within 2 hours of collection, if there is no stabilizing medium. (Dry, white container with saline added).
  • Delay beyond 2 hours may result in organism die off and decreased recovery of potential pathogens.
  • NOTE: the transport medium in the Starswab, A.C.T. tubes contain an indicator, which turns purple upon exposure to oxygen. Any Starswab or A.C.T. swab, which exhibits purple coloration throughout the medium (slight purple near the surface of the medium is normal), are no longer suitable for the recovery of anaerobes.

   

 

For small pieces of tissue or small amounts of aspirate:

  • Tissue Starswab or A.C.T. anaerobic system (for small pieces of tissue). This is a black capped tube with gel inside, the cap has a gray stopper. Remove the cap and fully submerge the tissue just under the upper layer of gel. Transport at room temperature. Must be received within 48hrs of collection.
  • Aspirate Starswab or A.C.T. anaerobic system. This is a black capped tube with gel inside, the cap has a gray stopper.clean the cap and inject the small aunt of aspirate through the rubber stopper. Transport at room temperature. Must be received within 48hrs of collection.

Specimen Minimum Volume

  • Tissue  1-2 small pieces
  • Aspirate 1ml

Specimen Stability Information

  • Transport at room temperature.
  • Specimens must be received within 2 hours of collection.
  • The Starswab or ACT medium must remain clear below the surface.
  • If the medium turns blue it indicates oxygen saturation and the specimen is no longer suitable for anaerobes.

Rejected Due To

  • Specimen not transported at room temperature.
  • Specimens not received within 2 hours of collection.
  • The Starswab or ACT medium blue not clear below the surface.
  • If the medium turns blue it indicates oxygen saturation and the specimen is no longer suitable for anaerobes.

Special Instructions

NOTE: Sterile Body Fluid Aspirates should be ordered as “Fluid Culture”.

Performing Laboratory

Glens Falls Hospital Microbiology Department

Reference Values

No Growth

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

  • Day Shift
  • 7 days per week

 

Analytical Time

up to 5 days

Specimen Retention Time

72 hours

Analytical Time

up to 5 days

Laboratory Test Catalog

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