Test Code Gram Stain Gram Stain Unity
Specimen Volume
Send as much material as possible for optimal recovery.
NOTE: To avoid compromising the sterility of a specimen, if < 1 mL of sample is received (or a swab) the entire sample will be sent to Rochester General Hospital for both the gram stain and culture. |
Specimen Collection
Collect specimen in a sterile container. Depending on source of specimen appropriate containers may include, but are not limited to, sterile cups, syringes (needles removed), or tubes without additive.
If specimens are collected using swabs, E-swabs are preferred.
If CSF, collect in special tubes only.
Specimen Handling Instructions
Transport to laboratory at room temperature.
Stat Turn-around Time
Preliminary result from Unity - 1 hour from specimen arrival in the laboratory.
NOTE:
To avoid compromising the sterility of a specimen, per Unity protocol, if < 1 mL of sample is received (or an E-swab) the entire sample will be sent to Rochester General Hospital (RGH) for both the gram stain and culture. Due to this, no preliminary result will be generated by Unity Hospital.
A final Gram stain result will be reported within 1 hour of receipt at RGH.
Routine Turn-around Time
Preliminary Gram Stain (performed at Unity Hospital): 3 hours from specimen arrival in the laboratory.
Final Gram Stain (performed at Rochester General Hospital): 1 day from specimen arrival in the laboratory.
Reference Ranges
See report for details. Varies per source.