Pure cultures are essential for microbial identifications and characterizations. When submitting a plate with multiple organisms, well isolated colonies are required.
The Identification Request Form provides a location to assist the laboratory with plates containing multiple organisms:
- If more than one colony type is present, and you would like only the dominant colony type identified, please check the appropriate box
- Should you require all morphologically distinct colony types identified, please indicate this (note: subculturing fees will be applied if necessary)
- If you would like only one type of colony identified, please circle the colony of interest with a permanent marker on the sample lid and dish, and check the appropriate box
- Accugenix will default to “ID Dominant Colony Only” in cases where no box is checked
Plates and slants should be sealed with laboratory film (parafilm). Cultures should be enclosed in a watertight bag or container (bubble wrap, taped securely, can be used instead).
Samples that Require Culturing
Our lab stocks standard media including TSA, TSA w/ blood, R2A, SAB and PDA. We are equipped to grow cultures aerobically and anaerobically. Our incubators are set at 30°C, 35°C, and 55°C. If you know that your sample requires growth conditions outside of these parameters, please discuss this with your Technical Support Specialist.
Note: Accugenix cannot accept organisms that must be handled in BSL-3 or higher laboratories.
Microbial Identification by DNA sequencing
DNA sequencing does not require a viable culture nor is it dependent on growth conditions of the organism. Accugenix accepts the following for DNA Sequencing:
- Cultures on solid media (plate or slant)
- Cell pellets in a plastic tube
- Liquid cultures *
- Genomic DNA [PMU PREP DOWNLOAD]
- Samples on FTA® Elute Micro cards [FTA PREP DOWNLOAD]
*Please ensure cultures in broth are pure. A mixture of organisms in a broth may require additional time and delay results. Include absorbent material inside the bag or container (e.g., paper towels or cotton gauze). Please contact Accugenix prior to sending liquid cultures should you have any questions.
Microbial Characterization by Automated Ribotyping
Ribotyping is an enzymatic digest that requires pure, viable bacterial cultures (preferably grown on a plate exhibiting clearly isolated colonies). Sample purity is essential. As a result, other sample types such as liquid cultures or cultures on slants may be acceptable but will require subculture prior to testing to obtain pure, isolated colonies.
A live organism less than 72 hours old is necessary for testing. When submitting a sample for 1 Day Turnaround Time (TAT), it is essential that a pure culture less than 72 hours old is submitted. For all other TATs, pure cultures less than 72 hours old are recommended. Any cultures submitted that are more than 72 hours old will require a subculture. Please label each sample with date cultured.
Since some samples submitted for Microbial Characterization will need to be subcultured prior to testing, please indicate any special growth requirements (e.g. anaerobic, specific media) needed to obtain growth for your sample. TAT for any sample requiring subculture will begin after successful subculture.
International Shipments
Please ensure you have the proper documentation if you choose to ship live organisms internationally. As an alternative, Accugenix recommends two different preparation methods that provide a safe and easy way to send your sample:
- Genomic DNA [PMU PREP DOWNLOAD]
- Samples on FTA® Elute Micro cards [FTA PREP DOWNLOAD]
When prepared with the procedures recommended by Accugenix, both methods will help to expedite sample shipping and comply with U.S. restrictions on shipping known or infectious agents.