AEROBIC CULTURE

Tissues, Fluids, Pus, Aspirates

• Specimens should reach the Microbiology Laboratory within 2 hours of collection.
• If delay in transportation cannot be avoided, keep specimens at 2 to 8°C.

Culture

Negative:
“No bacterial growth”
“No growth of pathogens”
“No significant bacterial growth”
“Mixed flora”
“Mixed enteric flora”

Positive:
Identification of probable pathogen(s)

Negative: 2 – 3 Days

Positive: 2 – 4 Days*
*Depending on the number and type of organisms and specimen source

Daily

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Refer to General Specimen / Collection Guide