Test Includes

Microscopy for Vincent's organism or yeasts if requested, or clinically indicated, culture for pathogenic bacteria

Request Form 

Microbiology form (Green)

Availability

On request during normal working hours

Specific Criteria

Please give detailed clinical information, including date of onset/contact with the suspected infection, and any current, or intended, antibiotic therapy.
If diphtheria is suspected, please contact the Microbiology Department (ext. 3557or 01268-593557) because Corynebacterium diphtheriae is NOT detected by our normal routine process

Turnaround Time

24 hours for a negative report; 48 hours if potential pathogens require identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing

Specimen

Bacterial culture swab in transport medium

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