Make sure the swab is properly placed within the transport container and that the transport medium has been activated. The transport medium is a basic medium to enhance the viability of microorganisms for a short period of time. It does not support the viability of organisms for extended periods of time.
Schedule delivery of swab samples to the laboratory in a timely fashion. Swab samples for culture should be received in the laboratory within 24 to 48 hours of sampling if a culture is being requested.
Make sure to include a sample area for the swabs. For example, if the area sampled was one square inch, four square inches, or just swabbed. Your results will be reported using the area that you specify on your Chain of Custody/Laboratory Test Request Form.
Please use swabs provided by the laboratory for sampling. DO NOT sample using "Q-tips" or other cotton swabs intended for personal use. These swabs are not intended for sampling purposes.
Please mark what type(s) of analysis that you are requesting on the Chain of Custody/Laboratory Test Request Form. Sewage Screen, fungal cultures, bacterial cultures, and direct microscopic examinations for fungi can be done from swab samples. Please mark all that apply so that there will not be any delay in processing your samples. If there is any question as to what type of analysis is needed, please call the laboratory @ 724-853-4047 and a laboratory technician will assist you.
Hours of Operation Monday through Friday - 8 am to 5 pm Saturday - 8 am to noon (Closed Sunday and all major holidays)
U.S Micro-Solutions, Inc. ® 1996-2011 All Rights Reserved 475-C Willow Crossing Road Greensburg, PA 15601 Telephone: 724-853-4047 Toll Free: 1-877 US MICRO
