Specimen Collection
Routine
Specimens containing oral-pharyngeal material are unsuitable, and will not be processed. Repeat specimens will be requested. Sputum specimens are unsuitable for anaerobic bacteriology.
Extra tests such as Nocardia, TB, Fungal, and Atypical Pneumonia need to be clearly indicated on the request form. Note clinical condition of Bronchiectasis on request form.
Legionella
Please refer to:
Legionella antigen
Legionella culture
Legionella serology
Acid fast bacilli and Cytology
Send separate specimens and forms for these tests as "splitting" of specimens will not be done.
Repeat specimens are only relevant in tuberculosis and malignancy.
Three consecutive early morning sputums are preferred when investigating for the possibility of tuberculosis.
See also:
Cytology
Tuberculosis
Fungal Culture
Early morning sputa are preferred. Collect after brushing teeth.
Collect in a sterile container.
See:
Mycology
Nocardia Culture
See:
Nocardia culture
Atypical Pneumonia PCR panel
See:
Atypical Pneumonia PCR panel
Turnaround Time:
Bacterial culture: negative or interim report issued after 72 hours.
Mycology: an interim report is issued on any positive culture. Negative reports are issued after 10 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
Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories
Specimen collected into sterile container, both request form and specimen labelled with 2 points of identification. Specimen delivered with-in 2 hours of collection when at room temperature or held at 4 degrees for less than 24 hours. Relevant clinical details and current antibiotic treatment. Tests clearly indicated.