Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
A wide range of bacterial pathogens, viruses and parasites are capable of causing diarrhoea by a number of mechanisms. Diarrhoea may be defined as unusual frequency of bowel action (at least three times in a 24hr period), passing loose, watery, unformed faeces. It may be associated with symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea and malaise, and with vomiting, fever and consequent dehydration. Faecal culture using appropriate selective agars (based on the clinical information provided) allows detection of bacterial causes of infective diarrhoea.
Specimen container paediatric:
Scoop faeces in to Universal using integrated spoon.
Specimen container adult:
Scoop faeces in to Universal using integrated spoon.
Minimum volume paediatric:
Quarter full (Universal).
Minimum volume adult:
Quarter full (Universal).
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard.
Add on test:
Possible up to 3 days.
Quality assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS).
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable.
Reference ranges:
N/A.
Factors affecting result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Referenced documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI S 7).
Other Info:
N/A.