Table 1. Type of sample and recommended procedure for sample collection in various eye infections.

Type of infection	Type of sample	Recommended device/procedure for sample collection
Blepharitis	Scales/discharge from lid margin	Forceps/cotton swab
Conjunctivitis	Fluid/discharge from lower conjunctival sac	Calcium alginate/cotton swab
Dacryocystitis	Fluid/discharge from lower conjunctival sac	Calcium alginate/cotton swab
Keratitis	Corneal scraping	Kimura spatula, No. 15 surgical blade, bent needle
Uveitis	Anterior chamber fluid	Paracentesis (anterior chamber tap) with tuberculin syringe
Endophthalmitis	Anterior chamber fluid Vitreous aspirate Vitreous Biosy	Paracentesis (anterior chamber tap) with tuberculin syringe Tuberculin syringe Vitrectomy
Panophthalmitis	Vitreous biopsy Evisceration contents	Vitrectomy Evisceration
Deep seated stromal infiltrate in keratitis	Corneal biopsy	Lamellar biopsy
Non-healing keratitis requiring keratoplasty	Corneal buttons	Penetrating keratoplasty
Contact lens-associated keratitis	Contact lenses, lens cases, and lens solution	Aseptically removed from the eye. Aseptically collected
Postoperative endophthalmitis following intraocular lens implantation	Intraocular lens	Surgical removal
Eye injury with iris prolapse/incarceration	Iris tissue	Surgical removal