Specimen Collection

Specimen Collection

Full clinical details are essential . This enables the laboratory to select appropriate tests and request additional specimens where necessary to establish the diagnosis. Additional consultation may be indicated. Please discuss if urgent or non-routine specimens are being sent.

NOTE: DO NOT USE HEPARIN TUBES for any DNA analysis

CSF

Minimum 1.0 mL, but preferably 5.0 mL or more. Collect into a sterile CSF tube, do not dilute, transport on melting ice.

Fresh tissue biopsy

Keep moist with saline. Do not submit on paper. These are preferable to paraffin-embedded specimens.

Pleural fluid / pericardial fluid

Minimum of 5 - 10 mL collected into a citrate or an EDTA or CPD tube.

Bone Marrow

Collect into an EDTA or CPD tube.

FNA

Collect into a sterile container.

Sputum

PCR is not routinely performed on sputum, which should be sent for Ziehl-Neelson stain and culture.

Swab

PCR is not routinely performed on swabs of any kind.

Paraffin block shavings

MUST be sent in a sterile container with minimum of 12 shavings (10-20 microns)

DO NOT SEND THE BLOCK

Turnaround Time: Within 1 week
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation

To confirm or exclude infection by Mycobacterium avium complex.

Also see:

Mycobacterium

Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR

Contact Information

For further information, contact the Microbiology Department via Lablink or the Clinical Microbiologist:

Lablink contact details

Contact Information

Dr Sally Roberts , Microbiologist: ext 22705 Cellphone 021 674 140
Dr Sharmini Muttaiyah , Microbiologist: ext 22700 Cellphone 021 615 892
Dr Mary de Almeida , Microbiologist: ext 22700 Cellphone 021 170 9117

Dr Matthew Blakiston , Microbiologist: contact via Lablink

Dr Veronica Playle , Microbiologist: contact via Lablink

Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories

Specimens and referred cultures must have at least two identification points , preferably name and NHI number.

Transport chilled.

Last updated at 07:47:05 03/03/2023