(12) Cleanse the skin around the area to be cultured with antiseptic
swabs to prevent contamination of the specimen by surface bacteria.
(13) Obtain the specimen. The break stick technique or the culturette
method may be used.
(a)
Break stick technique.
1 Remove the cap from the culture tube and hold the cap in
your nondominant hand, maintaining sterility of the inside of the cap.
2 Using sterile applicator, swab the exudate from the site.
3 Insert the swab portion of the applicator into the sterile
culture tube.
4 Break off the upper portion of the applicator.
5 Replace the cap on the culture tube.
(b)
Culturette method.
1 Remove the cap with the sterile applicator attached from the
culturette tube.
2 Swab the exudate from the site.
3 Replace the swab in the culturette tube, securing the cap.
4 Turn the culturette tube cap down.
5 Crush the ampule in the bottom of the tube by squeezing it
between your index finger and thumb at midpoint.
6 Push the cap down to bring the swab into contact with the
culture medium.
(14)
Redress the patient's wound with the appropriate dressing, if
necessary.
(15)
Remove the sterile gloves.
(16)
Label the specimen container.
(17)
Reposition the patient comfortably.
MD0915
4-18