Specimen Requirements

Intravenous or arterial catheter tip: Central, CVP, Hickman, Broviac, umbilical, hyperalimentation, Swan-Ganz

NOTE: Foley catheter tips are unacceptable for culture and will not be processed.

1. Cleanse skin around the catheter site with alcohol.

2. Aseptically remove catheter and clip 3 cm. from the distal tip of catheter with sterile scissors.

Note: Do not submit longer catheter tips

3. Place in sterile wide-mouth container.

4. Transport promptly to the laboratory to prevent drying; within 1 hour of collection.

5. Specimen source is required on request form for processing. Please indicate type of catheter submitted.