Bacterial Culture (Swab)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Microbiology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

SW

Test Code (Numeric Code)

2480

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

24 hours

Synonyms

Culture

Turnaround Time

48 hours

Negative or interim reports issued after 48 hours.

Specimen Type

  • Swab - see Additional Information

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Swab - Bacterial

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Swab - Bacterial

Pre-testing Requirements

Exclude indigenous flora by cleaning the surface.

Once collected, place purple top swab in transport medium.

Additional Specimen Information

Bacterial Swab: Purple top with transport medium.

General bacteriology: All sites.

Last updated: 28/04/2026