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:
This test helps to identify bacteria which may cause an infection and determines the best antibiotic agent for treatment.
Swabs can be taken from a variety of sites where an infection is suspected. Symptoms have many presentations; wound that is no healing, pus, redness, conjunctivitis, tonsiliti, sore throat, otitis media and thrush.
Specimen container paediatric:
Swab from each site Amies transport medium with charcoal.
Specimen container adult:
Swab from each site in Amies transport medium with charcoal.
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 swab from each site.
Minimum volume adult:
1 swab from each site.
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:
N/A
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 B 1, 2 ,4, 5, 9, 11)
Other Info:
Referred to Colindale Bacteriology if typing or confirmation required.