Criteria for Rejection of Specimens
in Microbiology
Clinical Microbiology Review 145
- Unlabeled or improperly labeled specimen
- Improper collection site
- Prolonged transit (over 2 hr without preservation)
- Improper temperature during transport or storage
- Leaking specimens
- Specimens in nonsterile containers
- Improper transport medium
- Culturette ampule not broken, swab dried out
- Improper swab, e.g., wood or calcium alginate for
viruses or Chlamydia- Syringes with needles attached
- Culture for anaerobes requested on inappropriate
sources - Specimen received in formalin (other than stool for ova
& parasites) - Saliva instead of sputum
- Foley catheter tip
- Insufficient quantity
Follow lab’s written policies.