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Test Code LAB10404 (superficial) and LAB10405 (deep) Wound Culture and Gram Stain 

Infectious

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Gram stains are routinely performed on the following specimens: abscess, wound. Because culture is more sensitive than Gram stain, the Gram stain is only offered in combination with a culture request.

Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens:

Abscess, or wound: 1 ESwab per test request, ≥1g in leakproof, screw-capped, sterile container, or ≥1 mL in anaerobic transport device

 

Collection Procedure:
1. Disinfect surface of abscess or wound.
2. Aseptically collect purulent material by aspiration or using an ESwab. Frequently viable organisms are associated with abscess wall, so adequately sample this area. If material is aspirated, clean top of anaerobic transport device with alcohol prep and allow to dry completely. Aseptically inject specimen into device. If ESwab is used, return ESwab into transport tube following instructions on kit. Specimen is unacceptable if received without fluid or swab in the transport tube.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87070-Culture, aerobic (not stool, rectal swab, or urine)

87075-Culture, anaerobic (deep wounds and abscesses only)

87181-Susceptibility, agar diffusion (if appropriate)

87184-Susceptibility, disk diffusion (if appropriate)

87185-Susceptibility, enzyme detection (if appropriate)

87186-Susceptibility, microdilution (if appropriate)


87205-Gram stain (if appropriate)

Reference Values

 Not applicable

 

Literature Reference:

Carroll, Karen, et. al. Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 13th edition. ASM Press. Washington, D.C. 2023

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Additional Information

Minimum Volume:
1 ESwab in ESwab transport tube or 0.5 mL in anaerobic transport device.

Laboratory Processing Instructions:
Test performed in BJH Microbiology.