Bacterial Culture (Pus)

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Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Microbiology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

PUS

Test Code (Numeric Code)

2058

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

24 hours

Associated Tests

Synonyms

Aspirated Pus Fluid

Turnaround Time

48 hours

Gram stain: same day, or urgently by request. Culture: Culture reports on positives are issued immediately. Interim negative reports are issued after 48 hours and a final report is issued at 7 days.

Specimen Type

  • Aspirate

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Syringe
Acceptable
  • Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Syringe
Acceptable
  • Specimen Container

Pre-testing Requirements

Whenever possible, pus should be sent in a syringe.
All air should be expressed from the syringe and the needle removed and the end securely capped.

Swabs should not be used to sample collections of pus. Where possible, the preferred samples are aspirates or biopsy.

Last updated: 28/04/2026