Specimen Requirements

Collect specimen using a separate sterile or mini-tip swab for each eye as follows:

1. Remove cap with swab attached. Moisten swab with sterile saline. (Dry swab is not acceptable.)

2. Collect specimen by retracting lower lid and swab conjunctival surface or collect eye drainage. Do not touch external skin, only conjunctiva.
3. Place swabs in sterile transport tubes with Stuart’s transport media.
4. Label tubes with patient’s full name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if available), date and time of collection, location of patient, and type of specimen (left or right eye).
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:  1. See “Microbiology” in “Special Instructions.”

2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.