Page 203 - pathology_services_handbook_5th_edition_2018

C. Brain abscess and biopsy sample

1. Aspirated material or biopsy sample collected from lesions must be placed
in a sterile container and sent immediately to the laboratory for aerobic and
anaerobic culture.
2. Do not add formalin. MICROBIOLOGY

2.3 Genital specimens

A. High vaginal swab

1. The specimen is suitable for the diagnosis of candidiasis and other causes of
vaginitis but NOT gonorrhoea in the female.
2. Using a sterile speculum lubricated with sterile normal saline and not antiseptic
cream, swab either from the posterior fornix or lateral wall of the vagina.
3. Inoculate the swab into Stuart transport media and send the specimen to the
laboratory as soon as possible.

B. Endocervical swab

1. This is the best specimen for the diagnosis of gonorrhoea and puerperal sepsis.
2. Under direct vision, gently compress cervix with blades of speculum and use
rotating motion with swab, obtain exudate from the endocervical canal.
3. Inoculate the swab into Stuart transport media.

C. Urethral discharge (Male)

1. Wipe the urethra with a sterile gauze or swab (wet with sterile saline).
2. Collect the exudates with a sterile swab and inoculate into Stuart transport
media.
3. If discharge cannot be obtained by ‘milking’ the urethra, use a sterile swab to
collect material from about 2 cm inside the urethra.
4. Place the swab into Stuart transport media.
5. It is encouraged to send a direct smear of the urethral discharge for gram stain
to look for intracellular gram negative diplococci.

Note: To write relevant clinical history eg: suspect genococcal infection

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