Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Eye

Container/Tube: Swab transport (ESwab-white or blue cap; or NPG swab with Green cap)

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Remove cap with swab attached.

2. Moisten swab with sterile saline. Do not use dry swab to collect eye culture.
3. Collect specimen by retracting lower lid and swab conjunctival surface or collect eye drainage.

4. Label swab with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or Social Security number, and date and time of collection.

5. See Swab Collection and Transport Guide in Special Instructions for additional information.

Additional Information: Specimen source is required.