Corynebacterium diphtheriae Culture


Sunquest Code:CDIPCL  
Epic Code:LAB6106Epic Name:Corynebacterium diphtheriae Culture Fluid
Synonyms:Diphtheria Culture
Methodology:Culture, PCR
Test Includes:Culture for Corynebacterium diphtheriae, toxigenicity test if applicable
Turnaround Time:Specimens are sent to reference laboratory Mon-Fri; results are reported within 5-7 days.
Special Instructions:Obtain Loefflers Tube and Minnesota Department of Health request form from laboratory. This organism may not be detected on routine throat and nasopharyngeal cultures. Contact the Minnesota Department of Health laboratory at 651-201-5073 before requesting this test.
Associated Links:

MDH Sample Submission Form


Collection Instructions

Specimen:Swabs of nose and throat, skin lesions. In rare cases, lesions of anterior nares, inner nose, mouth, eye, middle ear or vagina
Optimal Volume:2 swabs inoculated onto Loeffler's agar slant
Minimum\Peds Volume:1 swab inoculated onto Loeffler's agar slant
Container:See Collection Instructions
Collection Instructions:
Collect specimen from both nasopharynx and throat.
Nasopharynx specimen: Use flexible wire swab that reaches deep into posterior nares.
  • Throat specimens: Use larger swab applied to any area of inflammation and especially an area with a membrane. Apply swabs to surface of Loeffler's agar slant tube. Break off or bend swab leaving tip in media when tube is closed.
  • Lesions: Cleanse area with sterile saline, remove crusted material and swab base of lesion.
  • Inoculate onto Loeffler's agar slant
  • Transport immediately to the laboratory for incubation
   


Processing and Shipping

Specimen Processing:

Deliver to the Minnesota Department of Health Microbiology Laboratory immediately or incubate overnight at 35° (± 2°) C and deliver the next day. Indicate incubation time or the Loeffler's slant on the MDH submission form.

 

Test Performed at or Referral Lab Lab Sendouts  (Minnesota Department of Health)


Interpretive

Use:Rule out the pathogen that causes diphtheria.


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