Specimen Collection
A biopsy is the preferred specimen for investigating prolonged infections of tissue, e.g. cellulitis, ulcers, etc. Swabs provide poor and often misleading information and are discouraged.
- Send specimen in a sterile container without added fluids.
- Do not add formalin or other fixative.
- Do not add saline.
- Transport to laboratory without delay.
Consultation with the Microbiologist or Infectious Diseases Service is recommended.
Note: For Histopathology biopsy specimens, see:
Histopathology
Turnaround Time:
Gram stain result available same day, or urgently on request.
Culture reports on positives are issued immediately.
Interim negative reports are issued after 48 hours and a final report is issued at 7 days.
Mycology: an interim report is issued on any positive culture. Negative reports are issued after 14 days
Nocardia: see
Nocardia culture
Contact Information
For further information, contact the Microbiology Department via Lablink or the Clinical Microbiologist:
Lablink contact details
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