Corneal Scrape & Contact Lens Culture

Microbiology

Summary

Culture of Corneal Scrape Plates / Contact Lenses for the isolation and identification of Bacterial & Fungal Pathogens.

Antimicrobial sensitivity testing is performed as appropriate.

Usage

To determine the presence of Bacterial and/or Fungal pathogens which may be causing an infection.

Specimen

Corneal Scrape

Contact Lenses

Click here for Eye Swab Culture

Specimen Container

Corneal Scrape Kit – 4x agar plates (Chocolate Agar, Blood Agar, FAA & SABC) & a glass microscope slide (inside plastic slide carrier)

Sterile container, e.g. white top universal pot (see picture)

Contact Len Case

Requesting

To Request On EPIC

For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):

For Corneal Scrapes:

Search for: ‘Corneal scrape‘ or test code ‘LAB9237‘ the test name is ‘Corneal scrape MC&S‘

You will be asked on the request ‘Is testing for Acanthamoeba also required?’ – answer yes if it is and follow the instructions.

For Contact Lenses:

Search for: ‘Medical device‘ or test code ‘LAB240‘ the test name is ‘Medical Device MC&S‘

Select Contact lens as the sample type
If Acanthamoeba testing is required please state in clinical details

Special Instructions

Please provide relevant clinical details with the request: this helps the lab process the sample correctly and provide the best result for the patient.

For Hospital use – a stock of corneal scrape kits are kept in the top of the specimen fridge in Pathology reception in the Old Path Lab building.

Corneal scrapes – if requesting Acanthamoeba PCR & Culture, please send scalpel blade with saline in a sterile universal container.

Availability

Tested in house at RD&E

Turnaround Time

48 – 72 Hours (7 days for extended fungal culture)

Specimen Labelling Procedure