External Ear Canal Culture - Provincial
Discipline
Microbiology
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.
RGH/Pasqua - Performs external ear culture for aerobic bacteria and yeast
RRPL - Performs fungal culture
Saskatoon - Performs aerobic bacteria, yeast and fungal
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
Clinical information
Performance
Methodology
| RGH/Pasqua |
|
|
RRPL |
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| Saskatoon |
|
Days/times performed
- Specimens will be cultured at the nearest microbiology laboratory
Maximum laboratory time
Result Reporting
- 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
Other information
Patient Information
- Symptoms, duration of symptoms and history of past/current antimicrobial therapy
Last Updated: September 17, 2025