Sample requirements - Microbiology If reliable results are to be obtained, the following points should be observed when taking specimens:
All specimens must be labelled with the patient's full name, date of birth and date and time of collection.
They must be accompanied by properly completed request cards which state the NHS number/hospital number, name and date of birth of the patient, the ward or surgery, the name of requesting medical officer, the nature of the specimen and the site from which it was taken, the clinical diagnosis and duration of illness, the nature of any antibiotic therapy (including recent or intended treatment) and finally the investigation required. Separate specimens must have separate request cards.
Specimens for microbiological investigations must never be in contact with any antiseptics or disinfectants, e.g. Hibitane, or preservatives, e.g. Formalin.
All specimens for culture must be sent to the laboratory immediately after collection. Whenever possible specimens should be sent early in the day so that there is time to examine them during normal working hours. The laboratory must be notified when urgent specimens are being sent.
All specimens and request cards from patients who are HIV-antibody positive, suffering from Hepatitis B or C or Tuberculosis, or patients who may have these conditions, must be labelled with 'Danger of Infection' stickers. These specimens must be sent in a sealed plastic bag.
Specimens must be sent in proper laboratory containers which are available from Pathology Reception. The laboratory will refuse to investigate any pecimens received in improper containers or hazardous conditions.
If there is any doubt about an investigation, or an investigation not listed below is required, please consult the laboratory before obtaining a sample.
Specimen Collection/Sample Requirements Best results are obtained when an appropriate, well taken specimen, in the correct container, is delivered to the laboratory promptly with the relevant clinical information on the request form. Further information regarding the collection of specimens can be found in the test index.
Microbiology samples MUST be accompanied by a request form stating the following information:
Useful epidemiological information e.g. In cases of diarrhoea, occupation of adults, nursery or school of children, any occupational or recreational risks
Leaking samples will not normally be processed
Requesting Extra tests Extra tests on samples maybe requested within 48hrs of the sample collection, however, additional investigations will only be carried out as deemed appropriate by the Clinical Microbiologist.
Individual test details For full test details see test index. Actinomycosis Pus in a sterile container is essential. Swabs are extremely unreliable
