Page 206 - pathology_services_handbook_5th_edition_2018

2.7 Pus/Tissue/Bone/Swab

A) Pus
HTAA, KUANTAN 1. Perform the procedure with aseptic technique.

2. Clean the surface of the skin with 2% chlorhexidine in 70 % alcohol. Let the slan
antisensis to dry.
3. Aspirate infected material at the deepest portion of the lesion or exudates.

B) Tissue/Bone

1. Clean the area throughly with sterile saline.
2. Remove overlying debris with scalpel and collect biopsy form base or margin of
legion.
3. Send all tissue/bone in sterile container.
4. Do not add formalin.

C) Swab

1. Clean superficial area with sterile saline and remove all superficial exudates
before swabbing.
2. Pre-wet swab stick with sterile saline.
3. Collect sample from base of wound/ulcer using a swab.
4. Place swab in Stuart Transport Medium and transport to the laboratory
immediately.

Note: Swab is an inferior substitute. Therefore, pus/tissue is best specimen to be
taken.

2.8 Respiratory specimens

A. Upper respiratory

1. Nasal swab

Submitted primarily for detection of MRSA carrier

i. Insert a sterile swab into the nose until resistance is met at the level of turbinates
(approximately 1 inch into the nose).
ii. Gently rotate the swab against the nasal mucosa.
iii. Repeat the process on the other side with the same swab.
iv. Place swab in Stuart Transport Media.
196