Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen Type: Culterette swab of ear or Culturette swab of eye, corneal scrapings or vitreous fluid

Acceptable Specimen Type: Inoculated agar plate(s)
Collection Instructions:
Conjunctiva (bacterial conjunctivitis) and lid margin-Obtain the specimen with a sterile, premoistened cotton swab. Roll the swab over the conjunctiva before topical medications are applied. Culture both eyes with separate swabs.
Bacterial keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)-Ophthalmologist will obtain corneal scrapings and place in appropriate sterile container.
Bacterial endophthalmitis (inflammation of the ocular cavities and intraocular tissue)-Physician will collect an aspirate of the vitreous fluid and place in a sterile container or tube.