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GRAM STAIN

Synonym(s):
Lab Section Category
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Specimen Required

​Swab or pus from wound, abscess, eye, sputum, BAL and other sites. Bacterial culture should usually be requested together with the Gram stain. Please note that Gram Stain is routinely done and reported for all sputum and CSF culture requests.

Method

​Gram Stain

Test Results

​Gram-positive/negative cocci/coccobacilli/bacilli; No organism seen; polymorphs and epithelial cells reported where applicable (usually for sputum)

Turnaround Time

​2 - 4 hours

Day(s) Test Set up

​Daily

Last Updated - 13 Jun 2025