Enhanced guidance for veterinary microbiological culture specimen handling will improve quality of results: a survey of best practices.

Abstract

Objective: Lack of accessible veterinary-specific guidelines for the selection of specimen collection containers, transport media, and storage temperatures before laboratory arrival leads to suboptimal culture specimen handling, negatively impacting specimen quality and diagnostic value. Our objective was to summarize best practices for microbiological culture specimen handling by veterinary professionals and provide an accessible chart for guidance when handling culture specimens for submission to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Methods: Survey microbiologists in veterinary diagnostic laboratories across the US to evaluate a culture specimen-handling chart developed by the New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory/Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University for distribution to veterinarians.

Results: The survey was completed by 26 participants, representing at least 14 laboratories, including 20 respondents from laboratories accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. Survey responses were critically evaluated, and modifications were made to create a final version of the culture specimen-handling chart reflecting the recommendations of this broad group of subject matter experts.

Conclusions: Microbiological sample-handling best practices depend on numerous factors, especially the specimen site, specimen type, organisms present and/or suspected, and the time necessary to transport the sample to the laboratory. Following available manufacturer instructions on culture collection devices and media is important, and it is good practice to consult your testing laboratory to understand their culture practices, preferences, and limitations.

Clinical relevance: Following best practices for culture specimen handling will help ensure that laboratory results are accurate and relevant, which in turn will facilitate optimal clinical decision-making.