Test Code MGS Gram Smear
Specimen Requirements
Submit only one of the following
Specimen Type: Tissues, biopsies
Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container
Volume: As much as possible
Minimum Volume: 1.0g
Specimen Type: Body fluids, aspirates
Container/Tube: Sterile
screw-capped container
Volume: 5.0mL
Minimum Volume: 1.0mL
Specimen Type: Swab (varied sources)
Container/Tube: eSwab, M40 transystem Amies agar
transport media (Copan)(for non-NUH patients)
Volume: Entire swab
Collection Instructions: Do not share with other
tests. Collect another swab specimen for culture if required.
Please refer to Test Catalogue -> Test Collection Information -> eSwab Training Slides
Specimen Type: Corneal scrape
Container/Tube: Clean glass slide (free from oil,
dust) & slide holder
Volume: 1 slide
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect scrape and smear in a small circle on slide (1 cm
diameter).
2. Label which side the specimen is on.
3. Place slide in slide holder, label, and send to lab
4. Do not smear across the entire slide. This will reduce the
chance of picking up the organism.
5. Do not stick 2 slides with scotch tape together (with sample in
between). This will create unnecessary safety hazard for staff
handling slides.
Sample Stability
Preferred temperatures for storage prior to and during shipping to NUH
Specimen Type: | All types |
---|---|
Ambient: | Submit to lab as soon as possible |
Refrigerate: | Do not refrigerate sample |
Frozen: | Do not freeze sample |
Reference Interval
Negative
Days and Times Performed
Monday through Sunday, TAT 1 day
Methodology
Microscopy
Service Code
23207
Update
Last updated 11/10/2021
Unacceptable Condition
Gram smears will not be done for urine, blood, catheter tips, stool.
Special Instruction
Gram smear is done for CSF bacterial culture. There is no need to order a separate smear.
Testing Laboratory
National University Hospital
Clinical Microbiology, 67724343
Useful For
Presumptive diagnosis of bacterial infection