Method Name
Stain
Aliases
Gram Stain; Direct Smear - Bacteriology; Gram Stain - Smear Only, Gram Stain Smear
Specimen Required
E-Swab specimens or culturette swab. Collect tissue and aspirates in clean, sterile, leakproof container.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 swab or 1mL
Specimen Stability Information
Exam is designed for stat smears and material should be transported as soon as possible. E-Swab specimens or culturette swabs are stable for 48 hours, other specimens must be received within 2 hours of collection. Transport at room temperature. *NOTE*
Special Instructions
Exam includes smear only, and is designed for a quick preliminary interpretation of the flora contained in a specimen. It should not be used as a replacement for culture, as smears are much less sensitive and may not detect all pathogens present. Most culture requests include a direct smear and do not require a gram stain to be ordered separately.
Performing Laboratory
7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Turn around time is 1 hour.