Impact of Shipping Transit Time on Central Laboratory Processing of Total Colony Forming Units (CFU) and Staphylococcus aureus Detection

When utilizing a central laboratory for processing anesthesia workspace reservoir stopcock set samples, there is stability of ≥ 100 CFU for up to 32 days from collection and up to 143 days from kit preparation. <i>S. aureus</i> detection remains stable for up to 14 days. Therefore, when monitoring stopcock contamination to provide feedback, samples should be processed within 14 days from their collection. Anticipated shipment times should be considered by sample collection personnel to ensure optimal sample yield.