Pus, Microscopy and culture 
Alternate Test Names
Abscess Fluid -Microscopy and culture; Pus from abscess - Microscopy and culture; Fluid (abscess or seroma) - Microscopy and culture; Seroma fluid - Microscopy and culture; Lymphocoele Fluid - Microscopy and culture 
PLS Test Code
GENE 
Laboratory
Microbiology 
Specimen
Pus 
Analysis Performed On
 
Container
Sterile container 
Container Colour
Blue 
Multiple Specimens
Sterile container Or Transswab- swab in transport medium 
Required Volume Adult (mL)
1 
Req Vol Paediatric (mL)
1 
Reference Ranges
 
Turnaround Time Routine
 
Turnaround Time Urgent
 
Turnaround Other
Microscopy < 8 hours| Culture < 3 days 
Days test is performed
Daily 
Transport
Keep cool 
Special Requirements
None. 
Patient Preparation
None 
Collection Instructions
The referring clinician collects samples from unruptured abscesses by aspiration of contents with a syringe. Transfer contents of syringe into a sterile container. Open lesions and abscesses will be colonised with local skin flora. Wipe the surface with clean gauze moistened with sterile saline. Using a Transswab (Blue top), remove exudate and firmly sample the margin of the lesion with the swab. Place swab in transport medium.  
Clinical Information
 
Sent to Reference Laboratory
No 
Ref Laboratory Name
 
Estimated Patient Fee
N/A 
Last Updated
11-Jan-2017  (Version:1.01 )

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