ESBL Surveillance Culture

Test Name ESBL Surveillance Culture
Alternate Name(s) ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) Culture
Laboratory Module Microbiology
Ordering Mnemonic ESBL
Specimen Type

Swab of any area of the body that may be of concern.

  • Rectal
  • Ostomy
  • Sputum
  • Urine
Collection Container Amies Transport Media or Sterile Container
Container Information
Amies Transport media swab               Sterile Container
Collection Information The nurse or physician will take a swab of the area in question. The swab is then quickly transferred to the transport media.

Swab: Moisten the sterile swab in the transport media, Swab around the rectal area, Insert the swab into rectum enough to fecally stain the swab, Place swab into transport media tube and label with the lab-generated label containing patient information and marked rectal.

Sputum is collected into a sterile container.

The labeled specimen is then sent to the laboratory.

Test Schedule

Daily

Routine Turnaround Time Preliminary: 24 hours Final: 72 hours
Stat Turnaround Time Preliminary: 24 hours Final: 72 hours
Critical Values As growth is detected and identified the information is made available to the health care provider.
Lab Process Notes If an ESBL is detected notify as per DOCS # 10155 Microbiology Critical and Urgent Result Communication. 
Storage and Transport The swab should be maintained at room temperature until transport to the lab. Once in the lab the specimen will be stored at room temperature in the microbiology rack.

Urine should be transported to laboratory as soon as possible where it is to be stored in the refrigerator.

Test Referred To On site, BGH laboratory

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