Testing Menu

Sample Source

• Pure culture isolate on suitable agar (solid) medium; slant or plate

Collection Container

• Suitable agar (solid) medium for isolate submitted. Can be slant or sealed plate

Test Method and Description

• Identification methods may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels. Genus and species are reported on aerobic bacterial isolates whenever possible.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 2 – 4 days

Additional Information 

• Bacterial Identification - Aerobic Information Sheet

Sample Source

• Pure culture isolate on suitable agar (solid) medium; slant or plate

Collection Container

• Suitable agar (solid) medium for isolate submitted. Submit a sealed plate in an anaerobic transport bag to maintain viability.

Test Method and Description

• Identification methods may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels. Genus and species are reported on aerobic bacterial isolates whenever possible.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 2 – 4 days

Additional Information 

• Bacterial Identification - Anaerobic Information Sheet

Sample Source

• Pure culture isolate on suitable agar (solid) medium; slant or plate

Collection Container

• Suitable agar (solid) medium for isolate submitted. It can be slant or sealed plate.

Test Method and Description

• Identification methods may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels. Genus and species are reported on aerobic bacterial isolates whenever possible.
• Susceptibility testing may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disc diffusion.
• NOTE: Susceptibility testing is performed depending on source and identification. If the source and identification do not warrant susceptibility testing per CLSI guidelines, MDL will notify the client piror to continuing with testing.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 2 – 4 days

Additional Information 

• Bacterial Identification and Susceptibility - Aerobic Information Sheet

Sample Source

• Pure culture isolate on suitable agar (solid) medium; slant or plate in an anaerobic environment.

Collection Container

• Suitable agar (solid) medium for isolate submitted. Submit a sealed plate in an anaerobic transport bag to maintain viability.

Test Method and Description

• Identification methods may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels. Genus and species are reported on anaerobic bacterial isolates whenever possible.
• Susceptibility testing will be minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (gradient strip diffusion).
• NOTE: Susceptibility testing is performed depending on source and identification. If the source and identification do not warrant susceptibility testing per CLSI guidelines, MDL will notify the client prior to continuing with testing.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 3 – 5 days

Additional Information 

• Bacterial Identification and Susceptibility - Anaerobic Information Sheet

Sample Source

• Blood (specify collection site)

Collection Container

• FA Plus Bottle

• FN Plus Bottle
• PF plus Bottle

Test Method and Description

• Culture using automated continuous monitoring system.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 5 – 7 days

Additional Information 

• Blood Culture Information Sheet
• Blood Culture Collection Instructions

Sample Source

• Positive blood culture bottle

Collection Container

• Blood culture bottle(s) that have been flagged positive by the client’s instrumentation
• Culture on suitable agar (solid) medium plate
• NOTE: For clients that are able, plates should be subbed and submitted with the bottle(s) to expedite results

Test Method and Description

• Identification methods may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels. Genus and species are reported on anaerobic bacterial isolates whenever possible.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 1 – 4 days

Additional Information 

• Blood Culture (Positive – Referred) Identification Information Sheet

Sample Source

• Positive blood culture bottle

Collection Container

• Blood culture bottle(s) that have been flagged positive by the client’s instrumentation.
• Culture on a suitable agar (solid) medium plate
• NOTE: For clients that are able; plates should be subbed and submitted with the bottle(s) to expediate results.

Test Method and Description

• Identification methods may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels. Genus and species are reported on anaerobic bacterial isolates whenever possible.
• Susceptibility testing may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disc diffusion. 

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 1 – 4 days

Additional Information 

• Blood Culture (Positive – Referred) Identification and Susceptibility Information Sheet

Sample Source

• Synovial
• Peritoneal
• Pericardial
• Pleural
• Other (indicate specific source)

Collection Container

• Sterile Container

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture techniques with selective and non-selective media.  
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels. 
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion. 

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 4 – 5 days

Additional Information 

• Body Fluid Culture Information Sheet

Sample Source

• Cerebral Spinal Fluid (specific source/collection method: i.e.: lumbar puncture, shunt, ventricular shunt, etc.)

Collection Container

• Sterile Container

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic bacterial culture technique with selective and non-selective media.   
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.  
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion.  

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 4 – 5 days

Additional Information 

• Cerebral Spinal Fluid Culture and Gram Stain Information Sheet

Sample Source

• Cerebral Spinal Fluid (specify source/collection method: i.e.: lumbar puncture, shunt, ventricular shunt, etc.)

Collection Container

• Sterile Container

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture technique with non-selective media.   
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.  
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion.  

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 4 – 5 days

Additional Information 

• Cerebral Spinal Fluid Culture – Aerobic, Anaerobic, and Gram Stain Information Sheet

Sample Source

• Genital

• Vaginal
• Abscess
• Endocervical
• Rectovaginal
• Urethral/Penial
• Other

Collection Container

• ESwab
• ESwab Minitip Flocked Collection Kit (Urogential)

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic bacterial culture technique with selective and non-selective media.
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 3 – 4 days

Additional Information 

• Genital Culture Information Sheet
• WSU MDL ESwab General Collection Guide

Sample Source

• Throat

Collection Container

• ESwab

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic bacterial culture technique, screening for presence or absence only of Group A (Streptococcus pyogenes).
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 1 – 3 days

Additional Information 

• Group A Screen by Culture Information Sheet
• WSU MDL ESwab General Collection Guide

Sample Source

• Rectovaginal

Collection Container

• ESwab

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic bacterial culture technique with selective and non-selective media.
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 3 – 4 days

Additional Information 

• Group B Screen by Culture Information Sheet
• WSU MDL ESwab General Collection Guide

Sample Source

• Sputum

• Tracheal Aspirate
• Bronchial Wash
• Bronchial Alveolar Laveage (BAL)
• Biopsy

Collection Container

• Sterile Container
• Sterile Saline Tube 

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic bacterial culture technique with selective and non-selective media.
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 3 – 4 days

Additional Information 

• Lower Respiratory Culture with Gram Stain Information Sheet

Sample Source

• Anterior Nares

Collection Container

• ESwab

Test Method and Description

• A nasal swab is inoculated onto Spectra MRSA agar, a selective and differential chromogenic medium used in qualitative detection of nasal colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 24 – 32 hours

Additional Information 

• MRSA Information Sheet
• Anterior Nares Sample Collection Guide

Sample Source

• Vaginal

• Endocervical
• Urethral/Penial
• Urethral Discharge
• Vaginal Discharge
• Genital
• Lesion
• Throat

Collection Container

• ESwab
• ESwab Minitip Flocked Collection Kit (Urogential)

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic bacterial culture technique with selective and non-selective media.
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 3 – 4 days

Additional Information 

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae Culture Information Sheet
• WSU MDL ESwab General Collection Guide

Sample Source

• Tissue (specify site)

Collection Container

• Sterile Container

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic bacterial culture technique with selective and non-selective media.
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 4 – 5 days

Additional Information 

• Tissue Culture – Aerobic, Anaerobic, Gram Stain Information Sheet

Sample Source

• Throat Swab
• Oropharyngeal Swab
• Nasal Swab
• Nasopharynx Swab

Collection Container

• ESwab

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic bacterial culture technique with selective and non-selective media.
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday - Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 3 - 4 days

Additional Information 

• Upper Respiratory Culture Information Sheet
• WSU MDL ESwab General Collection Guide

Sample Source

• Urine - specify collection method (i.e., clean catch, foley catheter, cystoscopy, etc.)

Collection Container

• BD Vacutainer Urine C&S Tube
• Unpreserved Sterile Container

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic bacterial culture technique with selective and non-selective media.
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday - Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 2 - 3 days

Additional Information 

• Urine Culture Information Sheet
• Urine Culture Specimen Collection Guide

Sample Source

• Wound (specify source/site)

Collection Container

• ESwab
• Sterile Container

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic bacterial culture technique with selective and non-selective media.
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 4 – 5 days

Additional Information 

• Wound Culture – Aerobic and Gram Stain Information Sheet
• WSU MDL ESwab General Collection Guide

Sample Source

• Wound (specify source/site)

Collection Container

• ESwab
• Sterile Container

Test Method and Description

• Conventional aerobic bacterial culture technique with selective and non-selective media.
• Identification methods (when appropriate) may include any of the following: conventional biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and commercial identification panels.
• Susceptibility testing (when appropriate) may include minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (broth microdilution or gradient strip diffusion) or disk diffusion.

Testing Schedule

• Daily; Monday – Sunday

Turnaround Time

• 4 – 5 days

Additional Information 

• Wound Culture – Aerobic, Anaerobic, Gram Stain Information Sheet
• WSU MDL ESwab General Collection Guide