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Cultures - Wound, Throat, and Other Cultures Using Culturette

Nursing Policy & Procedure Manual

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. 

  1. Infection Control: 

  • Put on gloves. 

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

  1. Rinsing the Wound: 

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

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

Tags
Cultures-Wound
Throat
and Other Cultures Using Culturette
wound culture
throat culture
Nursing Home
Resident Care
CMS Guidelines
State Operations Manual
SOM
Requirements of Participation
nursing home policy
Infection control
clinical procedures
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