Specimen:

Whole Blood

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

1.5 mL; pediatric Isolator blood culture tube (923003)
8-10 mL; adult Isolator blood culture tube (922848)

Testing
Schedule:

0700-2200, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

Cultures are held 4 weeks.

Comments:

Recommended specifically for fungal blood cultures.  Should be paired
with routine blood culture bottles.  Do not refrigerate.

Methodology:

Standard plated media

Sample
Processing:

Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of 
collection.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as 
possible.

Sample
Storage:

Specimen cannot be frozen.
Blood Specimen - Store at ambient or room temperature.

Transport
Instructions:

Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
DO NOT FREEZE, protect specimen by wrapping in bubble-wrap or toweling.
Recommend express mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

Instructions:

8 mL needed in yellow top (ACD) tube.

CPT Code:

87103

See also:
Fungal Culture