Keep specimens refrigerated until cultured. Label all samples with a waterproof marker. Fresh tissue is preferred to swabs. Label swabs and fluids as to the source of the specimen so that the proper culture medium can be utilized. Submit swabs in transport medium. This prevents drying of swab and death of organisms – a common cause of negative cultures. Request cultures for specific organisms, when possible, as special media may be needed for certain organisms.

Stoppered tubes, OB sleeves, gloves, coffee cups, and syringes are not appropriate containers for microbiology specimens!

Separate specimens should be sent when requesting bacterial culture and sensitivity, anaerobic and fungal cultures, or virus isolation. Fungal cultures must be requested specifically.

Collect fresh tissue aseptically as soon after death as possible. Pack tissues separately in individually labeled bags. This is especially important with sections of intestine. Tie-off the end of intestines if anaerobic culture is needed. Ship with ice packs in an insulated container.

For urine swabs or samples, keep refrigerated, and submit to the laboratory as soon as possible. Ship with ice packs in an insulated container.

Trichomonas requires special transport media. Call laboratory before collection of samples. Trichomonas specimens are cold-sensitive. Specimens should be shipped at ambient temperature – no ice packs. Trichomonas testing for cattle is done using PCR. PCR will be run on Monday’s. ALL samples will need to be submitted to the Lab by noon on Friday for Monday’s run or results will be delayed. Please follow the Rules for InPouch TF or TF Transit Tube Submission Instructions.

Campylobacter and Mycoplasma require special media for isolation. Swabs can be submitted in a specimen bag if only mycoplasma PCR is requested. Contact the lab for information.

Collect milk samples aseptically in a leak-proof screwcap or snap-top plastic tube. Label each tube with animal information. Ship with ice packs in an insulated container. Contact the laboratory at least 24 hours before submitting large numbers of milk samples (>50).

Blood cultures require sterile blood collection bottles (commercially available). Ship with ice packs in an insulated container.

ALERT Botulism Testing
To better serve our clients with a wider array of testing for Clostridium botulinum toxins, effective immediately, the Botulism testing is being referred to the national reference lab(s).