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Test Directory -  Pleural fluid

Test Includes

Microscopy including acid fast bacilli (AFB)
Culture for aerobic and anaerobic organisms and Mycobacteria

Request Form 

Microbiology form (Green)

Availability

On request

Specific Criteria

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

Turnaround Time

Microscopy: routine - same day; AFB - next normal working day
Culture: routine - 48 hours; Mycobacteria - up to 6 weeks for a negative report

Specimen

Pleural fluid

Container

White capped universal

Collection

Samples should be transported to laboratory immediately

Lab. Handling

Process on receipt 

Causes for Rejection

Unlabelled sample


Last edited 07/08/08