Specimen Collection
To avoid a delay in processing, it is advisable to notify the laboratory when sending specimens and of any particular requirements.
Extra tests need to be clearly written on the request form e.g. TB, Fungi, Nocardia, Atypical pneumonia. Note on request form if patient is immunocompromised, Cystic Fibrosis, Bronchiectasis, Lung transplant.
To make sure specimens are well preserved please transport on ice. Place the ice in a separate outer bag to the specimen bag to contain any 'melt' that may affect patient labels and reduce possible contamination of the specimen.
To maximise the value of cultures, note the following comments:
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Specimens should be collected into a suitable sterile container.
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Preparation washings are not appropriate for routine culture due to the inhibitory nature of the solution and contamination with upper respiratory tract flora. (Tuberculosis examination may be requested on these specimens).
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Do not use any fluid for the lavage which contains a bacteriostatic agent. Saline, without an inhibitor, or Ringers solution are appropriate. Suspensions of NaCl may reduce recovery of Legionella species.
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As the first washing return is the most likely to have respiratory flora contaminating it, this should not be used for routine culture. Tuberculosis examination may be carried out on this first specimen. Subsequent washings should be clearly labelled for microbiology, fungi, etc.
See also:
Atypical Pneumonia PCR panel
Mycobacterium
Turnaround Time:
Gram Stain: available same day or urgently on request.
Routine bacteria: negative or interim report issued at 72 hours.
Mycology: an interim report is issued on any positive culture. Negative reports are issued after 14 days
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