CHAPTER 3 DIAGNOSTIC CULTURE AND IDENTIFICATION (BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL) 31
Submit remaining dermis and subcutaneous tissue in a sterile container; if an
extended transport time is anticipated, a small amount of sterile saline should be
added to the container to prevent tissue desiccation.Samples Obtained from the Ear Canal
Indicated with persistent infection.
Indicated when rod bacteria are identified in cytology samples.
Samples obtained from the proximal and distal external ear canal, from the middle
ear, as well as from individual ears, may be different; submission of samples from each
location may be necessary for accurate assessment of otitis externa and otitis media,
especially if cytology results demonstrate disparate populations of organisms.Samples from the horizontal canal may be obtained by protecting a sterile swab with
the cover of an intravenous or spinal catheter during insertion through the vertical
canal.A spinal needle or sterile catheter may be inserted through the tympanic membrane
to sample fluid within the bulla (Figure 3.9); sample contamination from the external
ear canal is common.Fig. 3.1.Hair shaft infected withMicrosporum gypseumhyphae.