Specimen Requirements

Collect specimen using a sterile swab (red or green capped swab)

External

1. Use moistened swab to remove any debris or crust from ear canal.

2. Obtain specimen by firmly rotating swab in outer ear canal.

3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.

Note:  1. For otitis externa, vigorous swabbing is required since surface swabbing may miss streptococcal cellulitis.

2. Topical ointments or drugs in or on the site to be cultured must be avoided.

3. Acceptability is 1 specimen per day per source.

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

Internal

1. Cleanse external ear with a mild germicide prior to specimen collection to reduce contaminating skin flora.

2. For intact eardrum, collect fluid via syringe aspiration technique and place in a screw-capped, sterile container.

3. For ruptured eardrum, collect fluid on swab via auditory speculum, and place swab into Anaerobic Transport System, pushing swab all the way down until it is immersed in transport fluid.

4. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.

Note:  1. Throat or nasopharyngeal specimen should not be submitted for otitis media.

2. Topical ointments or drugs in or on the site to be cultured must be avoided.

3. Acceptability is 1 specimen per day per source.

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