Lab Information Manual

Laboratory:

Clinical Microbiology

Test Name:

PERITONSILLAR ABSCESS, ASPIRATE FLUID, CULTURE, AEROBIC/ANAEROBIC BACTERIA - (Asp)

Test Code: MRES/MRAN

Clinical Information:

Test Indications:
An aid in the diagnosis of bacterial pathogens causing a peritonsillar abscess.

Recommendations:
Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) is a polymicrobic infection occurring primarily in young adults as a complication of pharyngitis. The diagnosis is clinical, but culture may help to gauge the level of illness and direct therapy. The differential diagnosis includes epiglottitis, retropharyngeal abscess, parapharyngeal space abscess, and severe tonsillopharyngitis.
The predominant bacterial pathogens associated with peritonsillar abscesses are Streptococcus pyogenes, the Streptococcus anginosus group, Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), and respiratory anaerobes (Fusobacterium necrophorum is cultured from up to 23% of suspected cases).
Submission of swabs is strongly discouraged.

Collection Devices:

Preferred Device:

1 - Sterile Specimen Container (100 mL)

Sterile Specimen Container (100 mL)
Manufacturer:

Catalogue #:

- ≥ 1 mL
Avoid contamination with oropharyngeal flora.

Specimen Required:

Abscess needle aspirate, or pus (collected by incision and drainage). Do not submit swabs. (Adult and Pediatric)

Referral:

Requisition:

_SH Microbiology - Provincial Requisition (R250-10-06)

Reference Values:

Negative: “No growth.”
Positive: A descriptive culture report will be issued.
Gram report will be issued (unless swab is submitted). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing will be provided for major pathogens.

Availability:

Daily