Preferred Specimen(s) Swabs, sputum, bronchial washing, body fluids, urine, tissue
Instructions Collect using sterile technique
Transport Container Bacterial transport tube, sterile screw cap container, or transport tube with preservative (for urine)
Transport Temperature Room termperature : 10 days for dried smear and 2 days for specimen swab Refrigerated : Respiratory specimen and body fluids are stable upto 24 hrs & 48 hrs, respectively
Reject Criteria Received at room temperature; Frozen
Methodology Microscopic Examination
Clinical Significance The Gram Stain is a rapid, preliminary test to identify bacterial infections and to guide initial antibacterial therapy.