Specimen Required

**For cultures of vascular and hemodialysis access catheters only.  Foley catheters and drainage tubes are not acceptable for culture**

1) Prior to removal the catheter, perform skin antisepsis with 70% alcohol or chlorhexidine.  Allow to dry

2)  Observing aseptic technique, hold the exposed end of the catheter and carefully remove the catheter with a sterile instrument.  Be sure ot avoid contact with the exposed skin.

3)  Holding the distal end over a sterile container, cut the tip with sterile scissors, dropping the last 2 to 3 inches of catheter into the container.

-Label cup with patient name (first and last) or other unique identifier, patient hospital
identification number,  date and time of collection, collector initials, and test(s) being
ordered.
-Promptly forward specimen to laboratory at ambient temperature.