Test Includes

ROUTINE:
Microscopy for white blood cells, epithelial cells and organisms
Culture will be performed if the epithelial cell to white blood cell ratio is less 10:1.  If this ratio is greater than 10:1 this indicates that the specimen is mainly saliva and not suitable for further examination 
Antibiotic sensitivity testing will be performed on potential pathogens

TUBERCULOSIS:
Microscopy for acid fast bacilli (AFB)
Culture for Mycobacteria

Request Form 

Microbiology form (Green)

Availability

On request

Specific Criteria

An early morning deep cough specimen collected before eating, drinking or cleaning teeth is required. Saliva is not satisfactory, and such specimens will be discarded
Specimens MUST arrive in Microbiology on the day they are collected
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

Sputum

Container

White capped universal

Collection

Samples should be transported to laboratory immediately

Lab. Handling

Process on receipt 

Causes for Rejection

Unlabelled sample
Sputum will only be examined if received on the day of expectoration
Specific criteria not met