Specimen Selection, Collection, and Processing I The quantity material must be adequate I Specimens are selected on the basis of signs and symptoms, should be representative of the disease p rocess I Contamination of the specimen must be avoided by using only sterile equipment and aseptic precautions The specimen must be taken to the laboratory and examined promptly. special transport media may be helpful. I Meaningful specimens to diagnose bacterial infections must be secured before antimicrobial drugs are administeredSpecimen Selection, Collection, and Processing The quantity material must be adequate Specimens are selected on the basis of signs and symptoms, should be representative of the disease process Contamination of the specimen must be avoided by using only sterile equipment and aseptic precautions The specimen must be taken to the laboratory and examined promptly. Special transport media may be helpful. Meaningful specimens to diagnose bacterial infections must be secured before antimicrobial drugs are administered