Test Includes

Microscopy
Culture for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria
Microscopy for acid fast bacilli (AFB) and culture for Mycobacteria if clinically indicated or specifically requested

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

Next normal working day for microscopy
Routine bacterial culture: 48 hours for negative report; up to 72 hours to identify and perform antibiotic sensitivity testing on significant organisms
Mycobacterial culture: up to 6 weeks for negative report

Specimen

Fluid pus is preferred; a bacterial swab in transport medium is a poor alternative

Volume

Maximum 25 ml

Container

White capped universal

Collection

Samples should be transported to laboratory immediately

Lab. Handling

Process as soon as possible

Causes for Rejection

Unlabelled sample