Wound PCR Collection Instructions

WOUND SPECIMEN PREPARATION

Complete requisition form. Make copies (both sides) of patient license & insurance card.

Print out patient label or fill out patient label provided in kit. Be sure to note specimen site correctly for left versus right side.

Wash hands. Wipe wound site with sterile saline or water. Local anesthesia optional.

PATIENT LABEL

OFFICE PREPARATION

Provider office supplies sterile saline or water & local anesthesia if needed

Tips for a successful collection

Wipe wound site with saline or sterile water using sterile gauze, including the wound margins and superficial area as needed.
The intact skin surrounding the wound may be wiped with alcohol to reduce superficial flora.
Do not use antiseptics as they may affect PCR result.
Once the swab sample is collected, it is important to place it immediately into the tube, where it comes in contact with the transport medium.

WOUND SWAB COLLECTION

Step 4: Lean the swab shaft for the breakpoint mark to rest against the rim of the tube. Bend the swab shaft at 180 degrees angle to break it off at the breakpoint mark.

Step 5: Ensure the swab tip remains in the medium. Replace the tube cap and secure tightly. Place specimen into biohazard bag and seal.

Step 1: After wiping wound site with sterile saline, open swab packaging. Remove tube and swab applicator. Apply patient label on tube.

Step 2: Roll the swab on the wound site in a zagzag motion. Stay within the perimeter of the wound.

Step 3: While holding the swab, unscrew the tube cap. Don’t spill the medium!

Place the swab flocked tip side down into the tube.

If the wound has necrotic tissue or debris, gently clean it with sterile gauze soaked in normal saline or sterile water.
For closed lesions or closed abscesses: disinfect the area, carefully open the lesion with a sterile scalpel. Rotate the swab firmly against the wound within the area with active drainage, avoiding contact with surrounding skin.
For deep wounds or abscesses: insert swab into the depth of the wound and rotate gently to collect cellular material and exudate. Syringe aspiration of purulent material from a loculated, palpable lesion placed into the transport media or soaked into the swab is acceptable.

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

Place specimen tube inside biohazard bag & seal bag.

Place requisition form & patient forms in pocket on outside of biohazard bag.

Place biohazard bag inside pre-paid return mailer & seal.

Schedule pick up from shipping provider or drop off at a local dropbox. Ship same day for faster results.