Department of Microbiology
Microbiology Services
User Handbook
Department of Microbiology
Great Western Hospital
Marlborough Road
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN3 6BB
DCN: MIC-P-006-10.0
November 2012
Page 1 of 18
Department of Microbiology
Contents
Document Control............................................................................................................................ 2
General Information ........................................................................................................................ 3
Contact Details ................................................................................................................................ 3
Service Availability ........................................................................................................................... 3
Laboratory Location ......................................................................................................................... 4
Results............................................................................................................................................. 5
Clinical Advice .................................................................................................................................. 5
Requesting Tests .............................................................................................................................. 5
Specimen Transport ......................................................................................................................... 5
Specimen Containers ............................................................................................................................... 5
Request Forms ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Health & Safety........................................................................................................................................ 6
Quality Management ....................................................................................................................... 7
External Quality Assurance...................................................................................................................... 7
Turnaround Times ................................................................................................................................... 7
Reference Laboratories .................................................................................................................... 7
External Service providers ................................................................................................................ 8
Bacteriology Tests ............................................................................................................................ 9
Virology Tests ................................................................................................................................ 14
DOCUMENT CONTROL
This handbook is subject to the document control procedures used in the Pathology Directorate. As
this version is controlled electronically, any printed hardcopy copy or locally-saved electronic copy will
no longer be subject to the control procedures. Please ensure that any reference is made to the
current active version of this document.
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Department of Microbiology
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Clinical Microbiology Service is provided by the laboratories at the Great Western Hospital,
Swindon. We provide an analytical and interpretative service on a wide-range of clinical specimens,
processing over 260,000 requests each year. The efficiency of the service we provide is reliant on the
cooperation of our users with the necessary policies relating to safety, specimen transport and
specimen identification.
We hope that this handbook contains all the information you require to use our service. However,
please feel free to contact us to discuss any problems or issues you may have. Any comments or
suggestions about the User Handbook should be addressed to the Laboratory Manager, by email to
penny.latham@gwh.nhs.uk.
We aim to be a model of excellence in the delivery of a clinical pathology service. In order to achieve
this, we are committed to the following:
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Service user involvement
Good professional practice & evidence-based practice
Efficient utilisation of our resources
Valuing and developing our staff in order to realise their full potential
Commitment to the health, safety and welfare of our patients, staff and visitors
Keeping a safe environment in compliance with current environmental legislation
Working as teams and partnerships
Continuous improvement
CONTACT DETAILS
Consultant Microbiologist
Consultant Microbiologist
Deputy General Manager
Laboratory Manager
Section Manager (Virology)
Dr Melanie Wilson
Dr Susan Dawson
David Newell
Penny Latham
Helen Jones
(01793) 604801
(01793) 604802
(01793) 605013
(01793) 604804
(01793) 604799
SERVICE AVAILABILITY
The laboratories are open for receipt of specimens from 0845 to 1700 between Monday and Friday,
0800 to 1300 on Saturday mornings and 0845 to 1230 on Sunday mornings and Bank Holidays. There is
a refrigerator in the Pathology Reception (and an incubator for blood culture bottles) for specimens
that arrive outside the normal opening hours. Certain specimens may be sent direct to the laboratories
using the pneumatic chute system (Pathology Address: 104).
The on-call service is available outside normal hours. The use of the service should be restricted to
those samples where it is essential to have a result before the next routine session. In general, samples
normally accepted for the on-call service would include CSF, joint fluids, pleural fluids, ascitic fluids, pus
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Department of Microbiology
and urine. To discuss an urgent specimen with the duty Biomedical Scientist, please contact
switchboard at GWH (01793 604020).
LABORATORY LOCATION
The Department is part of the Directorate of Pathology, within the Great Western Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust. The department is sited on the fourth floor of the main hospital building (see
diagram). The postal address is as follows:
Department of Microbiology
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The Great Western Hospital
Marlborough Road
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN3 6BB
Department of
Microbiology (67)
Directorate of
Pathology (69)
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November 2012
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Department of Microbiology
RESULTS
Please note that we need to establish the caller’s identity before giving results over the telephone. We
are unable to give results directly to patients or their relatives.
Authorised results are available on the Medway system and the Ward Enquiry system. Results may also
be obtained by telephoning extension 4293 (direct dial 01793 604293).
In general, results are not available until they have been authorised. In exceptional circumstances,
preliminary results may be available direct from the relevant laboratory. However, please bear in mind
that this may delay the testing of other samples.
Microbiology
Virology
Extension 4798
Extension 4799
CLINICAL ADVICE
For clinical advice on the interpretation of results, please contact the duty Consultant. During the outof-hours period, the duty Consultant can be contacted via GWH switchboard.
Consultant Microbiologist
Consultant Microbiologist
Dr Melanie Wilson
Dr Susan Dawson
(01793) 604798
(01793) 604798
REQUESTING TESTS
A list of tests provided by the Microbiology laboratory is provided in this document. All tests should be
requested at the time of submitting the specimen to the laboratory. However, amendments to
requests, or the need for additional tests, can still be discussed with the laboratory after processing has
started. In general, additional tests must be requested within 48 hours of sample receipt within the
laboratory. In some cases, additional tests may not be possible and a fresh specimen will be required.
Further advice can be obtained from the laboratory.
SPECIMEN TRANSPORT
Refer to Specimen Transportation Policy available on the Trust intranet.
Specimen Containers
All patient specimen containers must be clearly labelled with the patient’s name, date of birth, the date
of collection and the type of specimen. The hospital number should be included where possible.
Request Forms
All samples must be accompanied by a properly completed request form, giving relevant clinical
information, including antibiotics (used or proposed), patient location and detailing the investigation
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Department of Microbiology
required. Please note that inadequately labelled specimens and those without adequately completed
request forms may not be processed.
The laboratory assumes that patient consent has been obtained for the investigations requested. All
requests for HIV investigations must include the Doctor’s signature on the request form.
Health & Safety
All specimens should be regarded as potentially infectious.
Certain specimens from patients who are known or suspected to have the following
diseases/conditions constitute a potential higher risk of infection to persons handling the specimens:
 Typhoid/paratyphoid fever (faecal specimens only)
 Dysentery (faecal specimens only)
 Tuberculosis (specimens from sites where tuberculosis infection is likely)
 Anthrax
 Brucellosis
 Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (including CJD)
 Viral haemorrhagic fever
 Pandemic Flu
To minimise the risks “Danger of Infection” labels should be attached to the specimen container and
request form for all qualifying specimens (available from Phlebotomy Dept, GWH) and the nature of the
risk specified on the request form. This is a necessary procedure to protect persons handling the
specimens (nursing, portering, transport, reception and laboratory staff). The labels must be used in
accordance with the Specimen Transportation Policy available on the Trust intranet.
Samples thought to constitute a risk to laboratory staff because of inadequate packaging or warning
may be rejected.
The Consultant Microbiologist must be contacted BEFORE collecting specimens from a patient
suspected of having a viral haemorrhagic fever, human avian influenza, SARS or CJD. These organisms
require special transport arrangements and specialist laboratories designed for containment during
manipulation of specimens and cultures.
These lists are not exhaustive and rarely other biological agents that can cause severe human disease,
and present a serious hazard to employees, may be present in specimens. If there is any suspicion of a
high risk atypical organism advice on specimen collection and transport should be sought from the
Consultant Microbiologist.
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Department of Microbiology
QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The Pathology Service is committed to maintaining accreditation for its quality management system.
Accreditation is undertaken by Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK) Ltd, an independent external
organisation. Details of our accreditation, together with performance data, are available from the
Laboratory Manager.
In order to help us improve our service, we may ask you to complete a questionnaire. We greatly value
the information obtained from these surveys, and we would like to thank you in anticipation of your
assistance in completing the questionnaires.
As part of our quality management system, we routinely monitor certain performance indicators.
These include External Quality Assurance (EQA) scores and Turnaround Times (TAT).
External Quality Assurance
During 2011, our total EQA score was 98.6% (820 points out of a possible 834). The EQA scheme
involves a series of simulated specimens being sent to our laboratory for testing. Our results are then
scored against the intended results and compared to a national average. Each occasion in which we fail
to report the intended result is investigated thoroughly within our quality improvement system.
Turnaround Times
We monitor the turnaround times for certain key tests every month. The time taken from receipt of
specimen to the reporting of the result is analysed for a range of twelve key tests. Details of the target
turnaround times for all tests are given in the test section later in this document. During 2011, our total
TAT score for the twelve key tests was 98.1%. This meant that we met our target in 98.1% of cases.
The total number of tests checked during this period was 239 510. Further details on our TAT
performance can be obtained from the Laboratory Manager.
REFERENCE LABORATORIES
As part of the testing process, it may be necessary to refer some, or all, of the specimen to an external
reference laboratory. We only use laboratories which have an accredited quality management system.
The name of the reference laboratory used will be indicated on the test report. The reference
laboratories currently used are:
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Anaerobe Reference Laboratory, Cardiff
Antimicrobial Reference Unit, Bristol
Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Swansea
Health Protection Agency, Birmingham
Health Protection Agency, London
Health Protection Agency, Bristol
Health Protection Agency, Manchester
Health Protection Agency, Porton Down
Health Protection Agency, Southampton
Immunology Department, Oxford
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Department of Microbiology
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Immunology Department, Bristol
Insect Research & Development, Cambridge
Lab 21 Clinical Laboratory, Cambridge
Leptospira Reference Unit, Hereford
Microbiology Department, Epsom
Microbiology Department, Leeds
Microbiology Department, Exeter
Toxoplasma Reference Unit, Swansea
Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Surrey
EXTERNAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
Specimens for Mycology and Mycobacterium investigation are referred to an external service provider,
Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust (SUHT), for processing.
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Department of Microbiology
BACTERIOLOGY TESTS
Test
Sample
(Volume)
Container
Antibiotic Levels
Antibiotic Assay
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
Ascitic Fluid Culture
Cell count, Gram
stain & Culture
Ascitic fluid
(<20mls)
Universal
(white top)
Blood Cultures
(Adults)
Gram stain &
Culture
Blood
(5-10mls)
Blood Cultures
(Children)
Gram stain &
Culture
Blood
(<4mls)
Paediatric blood
culture bottle
C. difficile Toxin
Toxin Detection
Faeces
(<20mls)
Universal with spoon
(blue top)
Corneal Scrape
Culture
Gram stain &
Culture
Corneal scrape
CSF Culture
Cell count, Gram
stain & Culture
CSF
(1-2mls)
Ear Swab Culture
Culture
Eye Swab Culture
Culture
Investigation
DCN: MIC-P-006-10.0
TAT
Limitations
Out-of-Hours
3 days
Requests must be
discussed with the
Consultant
Microbiologist
no
4 days, plus 2
days for
cell counts performed
enrichment on SBP patients only
culture
yes, by
arrangement
1-5 days,
Adult blood culture
depending on
set
positivity
samples should be
collected before
antibiotic treatment
bottles should be
sent to the
incubator located
in Pathology
reception
1-5 days,
depending on
positivity
samples should be
collected before
antibiotic treatment
bottles should be
sent to the
incubator located
in Pathology
reception
1 day
not performed on
formed stools; not
performed if a positive
result within previous
28 days
no
2 hrs for
Direct inoculation
microscopy
onto plates and slide 2-5 days for
culture
requires good amount
of cellular material
yes, by
arrangement
3 sterile universal
containers (white
top), labelled 1,2,3
2 hrs for
microscopy
2 days for
culture
cell counts cannot be
performed on clotted
samples
yes, by
arrangement
Ear swab
Transport swab
(blue top)
4 days
none
no
Eye swab
Transport swab
(blue top)
4 days
none
no
November 2012
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Department of Microbiology
Investigation
Test
Sample
(Volume)
Container
TAT
Limitations
Out-of-Hours
Faeces Culture
Microscopy &
Culture
Faeces
(<20mls)
Universal with spoon
(blue top)
4 days
clinical details are
essential for processing
no
Fungal Culture
Microscopy &
Culture
Skin, hair, nails
none
no
Gonococcal Culture
Culture
Urethral swab
Transport swab
(orange top)
3 days
transport delay may
reduce sensitivity of
test
no
Gonococcal Culture
Culture
Endocervical swab
Transport swab
(blue top)
3 days
transport delay may
reduce sensitivity of
test
no
Gynaecological
Culture
Microscopy &
Culture
Endocervical swab
Transport swab
(blue top)
4 days
clinical details are
essential for processing
no
no
1 week for
fungal culture kit / microscopy
universal (white top) 4 weeks for
culture
Gynaecological
Culture
Microscopy &
Culture
Vaginal swab
Transport swab
(blue top)
4 days
clinical details are
essential for processing
please send
endocervical swab if
gonococcal culture is
required
IV Cannulae Culture
Culture
End of cannula tip
(2-5cm length)
Universal
(white top)
4 days
none
no
Joint Fluid Culture
Gram stain,
Crystals & Culture
Joint fluid
(<20mls)
Universal
(white top)
4 days, plus 2
days for
enrichment
culture
none
yes, by
arrangement
Lavage Culture
Gram stain &
Culture
Broncho-alveolar
lavage
(<20mls)
Universal
(white top)
4 days
none
no
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November 2012
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Department of Microbiology
Investigation
Test
Sample
(Volume)
Container
TAT
Limitations
Out-of-Hours
Leg Ulcer Swab
Culture
Culture
Leg ulcer swab
Transport swab
(blue top)
4 days
routine swabbing is
unnecessary unless
there is indication of
infection
no
Mouth Swab Culture
Culture
Mouth swab
Transport swab
(blue top)
4 days
Culture directed to
Candida sp.
no
MRSA Culture
Culture for MRSA
only
Swab / urine
Transport swab (blue
top) / universal
container
3 days
Culture directed to
MRSA only
No
MRSA PCR
Rapid test for
MRSA
Swab
Transport swab (red
top)
2-4 hours
Limited to Aldbourne
patients and patients
who have missed
conventional tetsing
No
Neonatal Screen
Culture
Culture
Swabs & gastric
aspirate
Transport swab (blue
top) / universal
container
4 days
swabs from throat,
umbilicus and ear
no
Nose Swab Culture
Culture for
Staph. aureus only
Nose swab
Transport swab
(blue top)
4 days
pernasal swabs are
required for the
isolation of Pertussis
sp.
no
Parasitology
Microscopy for
Schistosomiasis
Urine
(<20mls)
Universal
(white top)
2 days
Collection of urine
between 10am and
2pm
no
Parasitology
Microscopy
Faeces
(<20mls)
Universal with spoon
(blue top)
2 days
none
no
Parasitology
(Pinworm)
Microscopy
Sellotape slide
Collection kits
available from
laboratory
2 days
none
no
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Department of Microbiology
Investigation
Test
Sample
(Volume)
Container
PD Fluid Culture
Cell count, Gram
stain & Culture
Peritoneal dialysis
fluid
(<20mls)
Universal
(white top)
7 days
none
no
TAT
Limitations
4 days, plus 2
differential cell counts
days for
performed on raised
enrichment
WBC counts
culture
Out-of-Hours
yes, by
arrangement
Pertussis Culture
Culture
Pernasal swab
Pernasal swab
(orange top)
obtained from
laboratory
Pleural Fluid Culture
Gram stain &
Culture
Pleural fluid
(<20mls)
Universal
(white top)
4 days, plus 2
days for
enrichment
culture
none
yes, by
arrangement
Pus Culture
Gram stain &
Culture
Pus
(<20mls)
Universal
(white top)
4 days, plus 2
days for
enrichment
culture
none
yes, by
arrangement
Faeces
(<20mls)
Universal with spoon
(blue top)
1 day
limited to children
<4years
no
Rotavirus Detection Antigen Detection
Skin Swab Culture
Culture
Skin swab
Transport swab
(blue top)
4 days
none
no
Sputum Culture
Gram stain &
Culture
Sputum
(<20mls)
Universal
(white top)
4 days
samples should be
collected early morning
or after physio
no
TB Culture
Culture
Early Morning Urine
(3x250mls)
250ml bottles
obtained from
laboratory
6 weeks
no microscopy
performed on urine TB
samples
no
TB Culture
Microscopy &
Culture
Sputum / BAL
(<20mls)
Universal
(white top)
2 days for
microscopy; 6
weeks for
culture
none
no
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Department of Microbiology
Sample
(Volume)
Container
TAT
Limitations
Out-of-Hours
Microscopy &
Culture
Tissue
Universal
(white top)
2 days for
microscopy; 6
weeks for
culture
none
no
Teicoplanin Levels
Antibiotic Assay
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
3 days
Requests must be
discussed with the
Consultant
Microbiologist
no
Throat Swab Culture
Culture
Throat swab
Transport swab
(blue top)
4 days
Isolation of Neisseria
sp only on request
no
Tissue Culture
Gram stain &
Culture
Tissue
Universal
(white top)
4 days, plus 2
days for
enrichment
culture
none
yes, by
arrangement
Urine Culture
Microscopy &
Culture
Urine
(<20mls)
Universal with boric
acid (red top)
3 days
none
yes, by
arrangement
Urine Legionella Test Antigen Detection
Urine
(5-20mls)
Universal
(white top)
<1 day
please contact lab if
urgent processing
required
Saturday and
Sunday morning,
by arrangement
only
Urine Pneumococcal
Antigen Detection
Test
Urine
(5-20mls)
Universal
(white top)
<1 day
please contact lab if
urgent processing
required
Saturday and
Sunday morning,
by arrangement
only
Wound swab
Transport swab
(blue top)
4 days
pus sample should be
sent, if available
no
Investigation
Test
TB Culture
Wound Swab Culture
DCN: MIC-P-006-10.0
Culture
November 2012
Page 13 of 18
Department of Microbiology
VIROLOGY TESTS
Investigation
Test
Sample
Container
TAT
Limitations
Out-of-Hours
Antenatal Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7 days
requests for HIV test
must be clearly
indicated and signed
no
ASO Titres
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
14 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Broncho-alveolar
lavage
(<20mls)
Universal
(white top)
1 day
please contact lab if
urgent processing is
required for PCP
no
Atypical Pneumonia Antigen Detection
Atypical Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
14 days
clinical details and date
of onset are essential
for processing
no
Bone Donor Screen
Antigen &
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Cardiac Virus
Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
14 days
clinical details and date
of onset are essential
for processing
no
Cardiac Virus PCR
DNA Detection by
PCR
EDTA sample
(2-3mls)
14 days
clinical details and date
of onset are essential
for processing
no
Chickenpox Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
1 day (urgent)
7 days
(normal)
please contact lab if
urgent processing is
required
no
CMV Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
14 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
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Vacutainer
(purple-top)
November 2012
Page 14 of 18
Department of Microbiology
Investigation
Test
Sample
CMV PCR
DNA Detection by
PCR
EDTA sample
(2-3mls)
Conjunctival
DNA Detection by
Chlamydia Infection
PCR
Container
TAT
Limitations
Out-of-Hours
Vacutainer
(purple-top)
7 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Conjunctival swab
Chlamydia transport
swab
1-2 days
none
no
EBV Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
14 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
EBV PCR
Antigen Detection
EDTA sample
(2-3mls)
Vacutainer
(purple-top)
7 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Genital Chlamydia
Infection
DNA Detection by
PCR
Urine
(<20mls)
Universal
(white top)
4 days
patient should not
have urinated for 2
hours prior to
specimen collection
no
Genital Chlamydia
Infection
DNA Detection by
PCR
Endocervical swab
Chlamydia transport
swab
4 days
none
no
Helicobacter
Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Hepatitis A Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing, especially
onset date
no
Hepatitis B Antibody
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7 days
vaccination history
required for full
interpretation of result
no
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Department of Microbiology
Investigation
Test
Sample
Container
TAT
Limitations
Out-of-Hours
Hepatitis B Core
Antibody
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Hepatitis B Surface
Antigen
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7 days
requests must be
clearly indicated and
signed on the request
form
no
Hepatitis B (DNA)
Viral Load
DNA Detection by
PCR
EDTA sample
(2-3mls)
Vacutainer
(purple-top)
14 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Hepatitis C Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7 days
requests must be
clearly indicated and
signed on the request
form
no
Hepatitis C Viral
Load / Genotype
RNA Detection by
PCR
EDTA sample
(2-3mls)
Vacutainer
(purple-top)
14 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
HIV Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7days
requests for HIV test
must be clearly
indicated and signed
no
HIV Viral Load
DNA Detection by
PCR
EDTA sample
(2-3mls)
Vacutainer
(purple-top)
10 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
HSV Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
14 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Leptospira Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
10 days
clinical details, date of
onset and exposure
history are essential
for processing
no
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November 2012
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Department of Microbiology
Investigation
Test
Sample
Container
TAT
Limitations
Out-of-Hours
Lymes Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
10 days
clinical details, tick
exposure and date of
onset are essential for
processing
no
Meningococcal PCR
DNA Detection by
PCR
EDTA sample
(2-3mls)
14 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Parasite Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
14 days
clinical details, date of
onset and travel
history are essential
for processing
no
Parvovirus Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
14 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Pneumococcal PCR
DNA Detection by
PCR
EDTA sample
(2-3mls)
Vacutainer
(purple-top)
14 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
RSV Detection
Antigen Detection
Nasopharyngeal
aspirate
(5-10mls)
Trap bottle
<1day
none
Saturday and
Sunday morning,
by arrangement
only
Rubella Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Syphilis Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
Toxoplasma Serology
Antibody
Detection
Clotted blood
(2-6mls)
Vacutainer
(red-top)
7 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
DCN: MIC-P-006-10.0
Vacutainer
(purple-top)
November 2012
Page 17 of 18
Department of Microbiology
Investigation
Virus Detection
Test
Sample
DNA Detection by
Viral transport swab
PCR
DCN: MIC-P-006-10.0
Container
TAT
Limitations
Out-of-Hours
Transport swab
(green top)
14 days
clinical details are
essential for
processing
no
November 2012
Page 18 of 18