1. Disinfect overlying skin with 2% iodine tincture. 2. Aspirate body fluid using a sterile needle and syringe or via surgery. 3. Place body fluid in a screw-capped, sterile container. If arriving in a syringe, needle must be removed prior to transportation. 4. Label container/syringe with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. 5. Incubate specimen if possible. 6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Transport Instructions
Specimen Stability
Methodology
Microbiology Culture
Days Performed
Upon receipt
Performing Laboratory
Northwell Health Laboratories If culture is positive, additional charge(s)/CPT code(s) may apply for identification and/or antibiotic susceptibilities performed when appropriate.
