External Ear Canal Culture - Provincial

Overview

Description

External ear canal cultures may be collected from patients with external otitis (swimmers ear), malignant otitis externa or from patients with external ear canal infections. Cultures are used to grow bacteria, yeast or fungus that may be associated with infection.

Ordering Recommendations

• NOTE: Samples from the external ear are appropriate for the diagnosis of otitis externa only, and not recommended in the evaluation of otitis media.

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

• External Ear Swab

Specimen collection container

• E-swab collection system (preferred) or M-40 Transystem swabs

Collection procedure

• Cleanse external canal with mild detergent prior to swabbing affected area, touching only the discharge from deeper areas or active margin.

Required volume

• 1 External Ear Swab.

Transport and stability

• Transport at room temperature, as soon as possible. If delay is anticipated, keep specimen at 4°C.

Testing Information

Relevant clinical history

Patient Information

• Symptoms, duration of symptoms and history of past/current antimicrobial therapy.

Performance

Methodology

• Gram stain and culture for aerobic bacteria and yeast is performed routinely.

Days/times performed

• Specimens will be cultured at the nearest microbiology laboratory.

Maximum laboratory time

• Identification and susceptibility results are usually available 24 – 48 hours after an organism is isolated.
• Reports of no growth are sent at 24 hours and 48 hours, if applicable.

Specimen retention time

• Specimens retained for 3-7 days after culturing.

Last Updated: November 14, 2025