The Bacteriology Section identifies pathogenic bacteria or fungi and performs antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The section also provides specific regulatory testing such as for federal and state Contagious Equine Metritis regulatory program.
If you are requesting bacteriology tests, remember to keep samples moist, cool, and send by overnight transport. The following are important points to keep in mind:
- Whenever possible we prefer a sample over a swab of a sample
- Liquids (pus, joint fluid, urine, etc.) can be sent in a sealed tube (grey or red top) or other sealed, leak-proof containers. Aseptic collection techniques are always preferred over free catch.
- Tissues should be collected aseptically and can be sent in a sealed, leak-proof container. Small tissue samples can be stored with a small amount of gauze soaked with sterile saline to maintain moisture in shipping.
- Swabs should be sealed in their transport container. If you are unsure of the best methods for collecting your sample, or which transport medium is most appropriate for the pathogens on your differential diagnosis list, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your samples.
- Referral plates being sent for identification or antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be sealed and leakproof.
- Each individual sample should be labeled. If multiple samples are submitted at once they should be clearly distinguishable from each other.
- Maintain samples under refrigeration (40ºF/4ºC) until shipping and send with ice packs. Some specific transport systems (e.g. Para-Pak) may have different storage temperatures which should be followed.
- Rapid shipping or delivery for testing is essential. Delays between sample collection and testing can result in non-viable bacteria and lack of diagnosis.
Please see Test Information for specific information on sample collection and handling for specific tests.