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:
Infections of the vagina, cervix, urethra, penis etc can be caused by organisms passed during sexual contact or by organisms already present becoming too numerous. Specimens from bartholin’s gland, fallopian tube, tubo-ovarian abscess, pouch of Douglas fluid, intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and products of conception should also be sent for investigation. Microscopic diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) when indicated.
Specimen container paediatric:
Swabs from HVS, LVS, vaginal discharge, vulval, labial swab, cervical, genital ulcers and penile in Amies transport medium with charcoal.
Specimen container adult:
Swabs from HVS, LVS, vaginal discharge, vulval, labial swab, cervical, endocervical, genital ulcers, semen, penile and urethral in Amies transport medium with charcoal.
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 swab from each site.
Minimum volume adult:
1 swab from each site.
Special requirements:
Please include a ‘chain of evidence’ request form where applicable. Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8°C.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
Possible up to 7 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°C
Referenced documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 28)
Other Info:
N/A