Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Blood Specimen for Fungi
1. See “Microbiology” in “Special Instructions” for patient preparation and collection instructions.

2. Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s). Invert several times to mix blood.
3. Label tube(s) with patient’s full name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if available), date and time of collection, and location of patient.

4. Forward unprocessed whole blood promptly at ambient temperature.

Note:  1. Multiple cultures must be drawn at different times and different sites.
           2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Other Specimen for Fungi
1. Submit specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container 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.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

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

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