Diphtheria culture – Skin lesions

Testing Indications

For Suspect Cases contact your local Health Unit prior to collecting specimens.

Diphtheria is primarily a respiratory infection however specimens should be collected from suspect skin lesions during the acute phase of illness.

Preparation Prior to Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Specimens should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible, however swabs are acceptable within 3 days of collection.

Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHO laboratory on ice packs.

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Diphtheria culture is performed daily, Monday to Friday.

Turnaround time is up to 5 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

Specimens that are positive for Diphtheria are to be reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.

Specimens are set up on bacterial culture medium for identification and isolates are tested for toxigenicity.