Survival of anaerobes in original specimens transported by overnight mail services

Overnight mail delivery was evaluated for its effect on the recovery of facultative and anaerobic microbes in cultures of clinical specimens from patients. Ten clinical specimens, which were collected at different geographic locations and during different weather conditions, were cultured at the site and after overnight delivery to a distant laboratory. Forty-five facultative anaerobic isolates and 48 anaerobes were recovered. There was no significant difference in numbers of strains or relative quantities recovered in cultures of transported and nontransported specimens. With proper collection, transport, and inoculation of specimens, overnight delivery did not compromise recovery of clinically relevant microbes.