Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for UCLA Health

Septic Arthritis - Immune Compromised or Penetrating Inoculation

Total Recommended

3.5-6.5 mL

Note

Ordering of samples is based on priority with the quantities required for laboratory processes listed for each.

If insufficient material exists to obtain all tests, start at the top and work down.

Tests in Order of Priority

Aerobic Culture

  • Sent in red top microtainer

  • Minimum quantity: 2-3 drops

Cell Count

  • Sent in red top microtainer

  • Minimum quantity: 250 microliter

Supplemental Aerobic Culture

  • Sent in blood culture bottle

  • Minimum quantity: 1ml

  • Maximum quantity: 4ml

  • Greater volumes correlate with higher rates of pathogen detection.

Anaerobic, Fungal, and Acid Fast Bacteria Culture

  • Obtained in a syringe capped with the air expressed

  • Minimum quantity: 1.5 mL

  • Lab technician will plate anaerobic and fungal samples on 3 plates each, requiring a total of 0.5 mL.

  • AFB cultures are sent to ARUP with a minimum volume of 1.0 mL

  • If less than 1.5 mL are obtained, prioritization will be necessary. Priority is Aerobic>Anaerobic>Fungal>AFB)