Test Includes

Culture for Beta-haemolytic streptococci of groups A, C or G and Staphylococcus aureus; culture for other potential pathogens if indicated by the clinical data given

Request Form 

Microbiology form (Green)

Availability

On request during normal working hours

Specific Criteria

If whooping cough (pertussis) is suspected, per-nasal swabs must be submitted.  Special swabs are available from the Microbiology Department (ext. 3557 or 01268-593557) on request

Please give detailed clinical information, including date of onset/contact with the suspected infection, and any current, or intended, antibiotic therapy

Turnaround Time

24 hours for a negative (no pathogens isolated) report; 48 hours if potential pathogens require identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing; 5 days for a per-nasal swab

Specimen

Bacterial culture swab in transport medium (see also Specific Criteria)

Collection

Samples should be transported to laboratory immediately

Lab. Handling

Samples should be processed as soon as possible

Causes for Rejection

Unlabelled sample
Delay in sample reaching laboratory