SPECIMEN COLLECTION: Tissue or Fluids

Tips and Pitfalls

A. Tissues must be kept moist; if placed in a vial or tube of fluid, bring the fluid level to the top of the tube so the tissue won't accidentally get stuck on the side of the container and dry out.

B. If tissues will be used for culture (free living amebae, leishmaniasis), use a sterile container and take the specimen using aseptic technique.

C. Recommend amounts similar to that obtained from a punch biopsy; if eye specimens are received in fluid and using aseptic techniques, centrifuge the material and then inoculate culture plates (specific techniques for free living amebae) and/or prepare smears for staining.