Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

External
Container/Tube: Aerobic culture swab in sterile culture transport tube or Eswab

Specimen: Swab of external ear canal

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen as follows:

1. Cleanse external canal with mild antiseptic.
2. Swab area from active margin, preferably including fresh secretion from deeper areas.
3. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.

Note: 1. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of collection.
2. Specimen source is required.

Internal
Container/Tube: Aerobic culture swab in sterile culture transport tube or Eswab.

Specimen:  Swab of eardrum or beyond

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen as follows:

1. Cleanse external canal with mild antiseptic.
2. Insert sterile funnel and swab eardrum or beyond. If eardrum is not perforated, specimen should be collected by a physician trained in this procedure.
3. Place swab in sterile culture transport tube.

Note: 1. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of collection.
          2. Specimen source is required.

or