Smears from purulent material: A detection by culture from purulent material is often difficult as the bacteria are pre-damaged and therefore difficult to breed.
Abscess material: Split the abscess cavity and swab the inside of the abscess membrane.
For aspirates from primarily sterile body cavities, the use of a Peds Plus™ blood culture bottle is recommended; the sample material should not be cooled.
If testing for actinomycetes and Nocardia is desired, it is to be requested separately.
