Cultures - Wound, Throat, and Other Cultures Using Culturette

Cultures - Wound, Throat, and Other Cultures Using Culturette 

Purpose: 

To obtain a specimen for the detection of bacteria from a wound, the oropharynx, or other sites for culture. 

Equipment: 

• Culturette(s) – (sterile calcium alginate or rayon swab – not a cotton-tipped swab) 

• Gloves 

• Sterile saline solution 

Procedure: 

1. Preparation: 

• Cultures, when ordered by the physician, will be obtained by a licensed nurse. 

• Explain the need for the culture specimen to the resident. 

• Gather all necessary equipment. 

2. Infection Control: 

• Put on gloves. 

• If the culture is from a wound or pressure sore, remove the dressing. Don new gloves if needed. 

3. Rinsing the Wound: 

• Thoroughly rinse the wound with sterile saline solution before culturing. 

4. Collecting the Specimen: 

• Using the culturette, wipe the surface of the area to be cultured. Ensure to roll the swab end over the area, especially in regions showing purulence, pus, or mucous. 

• If culturing more than one area, use a separate culturette for each area and clearly label each culturette with the specific area cultured. 

5. Handling the Specimen: 

• Place the culturette into the test tube portion and tightly cap. 

• Squash the end of the culturette to release the fixative over the tip of the swab portion of the culturette. 

6. Post-Collection: 

• Remove gloves and wash hands. 

• Label the specimen with the resident’s name, date, and time of collection. 

• Place the specimen in a plastic bag and attach the completed laboratory requisition. 

• DO NOT refrigerate the specimen. 

Compliance and Documentation: 

• Adhere to CMS guidelines and Requirements of Participation for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• Document the culture procedure, including the resident’s response and any observations, in their medical record. 

• Note any abnormalities or difficulties encountered during the procedure. 

• Regularly review and update techniques for obtaining cultures according to the latest clinical best practices and regulatory standards. 

• Provide training to staff on proper culture collection procedures to ensure accurate results and resident safety. 

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with this policy and address any gaps in practice or documentation. 

References: 

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix PP - Guidance to Surveyors for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• CMS Requirements of Participation for Nursing Homes. 

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Pressure Ulcer Treatment Guidelines.