DEVICE (ORTHOPEDIC HARDWARE/CAPD CATHETER WITHOUT TISSUE ATTACHED; HEART VALVE/STENT/VASCULAR GRAFT WITH OR WITHOUT TISSUE ATTACHED), CULTURE, AEROBIC BACTERIA

Test Code: STIL

Test Indications:
Suspected device related infections. Device cultures are acceptable for any permanent devices implanted into a sterile site of a patient. Examples include pacemaker hardware and leads, orthopedic hardware (prosthetic joints, pins, screws, plates, etc.), prosthetic heart valves, vascular grafts and stents, implantable defibrillator components, cardiac assist devices, central lines (PICC lines, port-a-cath hubs and lines, central venous catheters), peritoneal dialysis catheters, ventricular shunts, deep brain stimulators and arterial lines.

Recommendations:
Indwelling and implantable devices must be removed surgically using aseptic technique. Intravenous lines should be removed as cleanly as possible. After removal, remove any normally external (non-sterile) components (e.g., tubing) using sterile scissors. Indwelling and implantable devices should be placed in a sterile container and sent to the laboratory promptly. Central and arterial lines should be removed cleanly and the internal portion of the catheter aseptically cut off and placed in a sterile container. Label the specimen container with patient name, PHIN and anatomical location and name of the device.

Patient Preparation Instructions:
Accurate patient identification must be made prior to sample collection.
Samples and requisitions must be labeled/completed in accordance with the Shared Health Specimen Acceptance Policy.

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

A descriptive report will be provided.

Daily

Specimen Handling:
Specimens should be received by the laboratory within 24 hours.
Store at 2-8°C  ≤24 hours.
Ensure specimens are sent using appropriate packaging in accordance with Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulation.