ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the collection and transport of specimens intended for anaerobic culturing, including the indications for considering anaerobic culturing, the selection of the site and method of collection of the specimen, followed by precautions and methods of transport of the specimen to the laboratory. Once it has been decided to culture the specimen for anaerobes, the method of collection must be considered, as it differs with various body sites. The best method of collection for each site protects the specimen from exposure to oxygen and drying and avoids the contamination of the specimen from indigenous body microflora. During transport of the specimen it is necessary to protect the specimen from exposure to oxygen and from drying. Another desirable feature of the transport device is the use of a nonnutrient medium. There are several commercially available kits for the anaerobic transport of cultures, many of which are designed for use with swabs.
