Microbiology
Urine Collection, Preservation and Transport
Fecal Stool Collection Preservation and Transport
QuantiFERON® TB Gold In-Tube
Cytological Studies

Microbiology

If specimens are transported in syringes, needles must be removed. The syringe should be capped to prevent air contamination. If the culture is for anaerobic bacteria, express all air from syringe before capping.

• Screw-capped containers must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage and external contamination.
• Place specimen container or swab in a sealed transport bag accompanied by a completed requisition. Requisitions should be placed in protected bag sleeve separated from the specimen, which should be placed inside the zip lock portion of the transport bag. The specimen should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible or properly stored or preserved. Use appropriate transport systems for urine and stool specimens, as indicated in the alphabetical test listing.

Fecal Stool Collection Preservation and Transport

IMPORTANT!

• Do NOT urinate on specimen or in collection container.
• Do NOT urinate in vials.
• Do NOT pass specimen directly into vial. Use collection container.
• Do NOT pass specimen into toilet.
• Do NOT collect specimen from a diaper. Line the diaper with plastic wrap.
• The stool should be passed into a clean, dry container.
• After collection, carefully open a vial containing the red liquid. Using spoon (in lid of vial), place small scoopfuls of stool from areas which appear bloody, slimy, or watery into vial until contents rise to red arrow marked on outside of vial. If stool is formed, try to sample small amounts from each end and middle or try to recollect when stool is softer or during diarrheal episodes.
• Mix contents of vial with spoon, then twist cap tightly closed and shake tube vigorously until contents are well mixed.
• Repeat process for each vial, which contains liquid.
• STORE ALL VIALS AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. DO NOT REFRIGERATE!
• Write patient name on container and each of the vials. Mark date and time of collection.
• Wash hands thoroughly. If any liquid from tubes gets on skin or in eyes, flush with plenty of running water. If irritation develops, consult a physician.
• Antidote if swallowed: Dilute by drinking 2 to 4 glasses of water. Immediately contact an emergency facility, poison information center or a physician to receive medical attention. Save reagent vial. Label information will be helpful for determining appropriate medical treatment.
• Specimens should be transported to laboratory as soon as possible after collection.

Cytological Studies

A completed requisition should accompany the specimen. Complete the portion of the anatomic pathology requisition labeled "Pap Smear (Cervical Cytology)" for pap smears and the portion labeled "Non-Gyn Body Fluids (Cytology-i.e., Effusions, Urine, Sputum/Bronchial, CSF, Breast, FNA)" for all other specimens. The requisition must include the following information for processing:

• Patient's first and last names.
• Date of birth.
• Patient ID number.
• Insurance information (billing information).
• Source of specimen.
• Ordering physician.
• Previous history.
• Date and time of collection.
• Initials of person collecting the specimen.
• Fixative added.
• Last menstrual period (LMP)-pap smears only.

Specimens should be placed in appropriate containers that will prevent leakage for transport to laboratory. Sealable biohazard bags are available and must be used. The following information must be included on the specimens: 

• Patient's first and last names.
• Source of specimen.
• Patient ID number.
• Date and time of collection.
• Initials of person collecting the specimen.