Test Code CXSIN Culture, Sinus with Gram Stain
Performing Laboratory
Hunterdon Medical Center Laboratory
Specimen Required
Sinus aspirate is collected surgically by either nasal endoscopy or sinus puncture.
- Needle aspirate is the optimal specimen for recovery of anaerobes as well as aerobes.
- Specimens collected in a Lukens trap container are inferior for anaerobic culture and a disclaimer will be added to the report.
Sinus cavity: (surgical only)
- Dual tipped culture swab
- Anaerobic culture swab
Specimen Type
Sinus Aspirate
Swab of sinus cavity obtained during surgical procedure.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient: Deliver within 2 hours.
Specimen Stability Information
Ambient: 24 hours.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Reference Values
No growth or normal flora.
Method Name
Conventional Culture and Biochemical identification methods.
Susceptibility may be performed for certain isolates at an additional charge.