Please see below for the specimen types needed for each investigation. Please note that Blood should be collected aseptically by venipuncture, carefully following the tube manufacturers’ instructions and according to good phlebotomy practices.

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Fresh specimens must be delivered to the Pathology as soon as possible after collection to avoid overgrowth or loss of micro-organisms.

Specimens must be obtained prior to antibiotic therapy or chemotherapy whenever possible.

Urines

Green topped urine containers for microbiological analysis

The Microbiology Department uses ‘green’ boric acid containers for all routine urines for microscopy and bacteriological culture. 

Please note:

• that these are NOT suitable for Chemistry investigations.

• It is common and good practice for plain universal containers to be used for dip-stick testing (leucocytes, protein etc.). Please check whether the dip-stick product you use is compatible with urine containing boric acid. The vast majority of dip-stick products are fully compatible. 

The tubes contain boric acid powder as a preservative. The presence of boric acid helps to maintain the microbiological quality of the specimen, it prevents cell degradation and overgrowth of organisms that can occur if the sample is not analysed within 4 hours of collection. Boric acid preservative holds the bacterial population steady for 48–96 hours, and other cellular components remain intact.

Please note:- do not use boric acid specimen containers for purposes other than the microbiological analysis of urine. They are not suitable for: 

• Dipstick tests on urine

• Urine investigations for TB

• Urine for pregnancy tests

If only a small sample (<half a container full) is available use a yellow topped container, this should be sent to the laboratory within 4 hours. If this is not possible put the container of urine specimen in a sealed plastic bag and keep refrigerated at 4ºC.

Limitations of examination procedure

Boric acid preservative at a concentration of 1-2% holds the bacterial population steady for 48-96 hours, and other cellular components remain intact. However, if boric acid containing specimen containers are not used, rapid transport and culture will aid reliable laboratory results. Specimens can be refrigerated for a maximum of 48 hours prior to processing.

The incorrect volume of urine added to the boric acid specimen container may adversely impact the effectiveness of the preservative properties of boric acid.

Relevant clinical information, including recent/current antimicrobial therapy will aid the correct diagnosis of urinary tract infection.

Pyuria without apparent bacteriuria (i.e. no growth on routine culture media) may be the result of many factors; as a result of prior treatment with antimicrobial agents; catheterisation; calculi (stones); bladder neoplasms; genital tract infection; sexually transmitted diseases (e.g.  trachomatis), or an infection with a fastidious organism.

Bacteriuria without apparent pyuria may be due to the lysis of the While Blood Cells in alkaline urine, which occurs in infection with Proteus sp.

Renal tuberculosis may also be implicated in sterile pyuria but is uncommon, although should be considered if clinically indicated (e.g. in high risk populations)

Urine (MSU) for microscopy, culture and sensitivity

MSU is the recommended collection method – see Guide to taking Urine Specimens

Catheter urine

See Nursing times instructions for collection of catheter specimen urine

Collect the MSU/CSU – do not discard the white powder and fill the boric acid container to the line marked and mix well. This will ensure the correct concentration of preservative.

Specimens should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Boric acid preserved urine specimens may be stored at room temperature prior to processing.

Sputum/Pregnancy Tests/Pus/Drain Fluids/Nail samples

Appropriate sterile specimen containers are available from the Department on request. See Guide to taking Sputum specimens for patient information for collection instructions for sputum samples. 

The volume of specimen influences the transport time that is acceptable. Large volumes of purulent material maintain the viability of bacteria for longer.

Fluids should be sent in sterile specimen pots which are obtainable from the Department and if processing is delayed refrigeration is preferable to storage at ambient temperature.

Faeces

Faeces samples should be submitted in brown topped faeces pot, yellow topped sterile universals are acceptable. See Guide to taking Faeces specimens for patient information for collection instructions.

Specimens should be transported and processed as soon as possible. Important pathogens may not survive the pH changes that occur in faeces specimens which are not promptly delivered to the laboratory, even if refrigerated. If processing is delayed, refrigeration is preferable to storage at ambient temperature.

For information regarding the submission of samples for Norovirus see  Norovirus/Outbreak page

Routine Culture Swabs

   

Swabs must be sent in transport medium obtainable from the Department and if processing is delayed refrigeration is preferable to storage at ambient temperature.                       

Specimen collection

Detailed instructions relating to specific types of specimens are available from the Department or from the patient leaflets.

Where further/additional analysis of specimens is subsequently required please contact the Department/Consultant Microbiologist as soon as possible

Additional testing may only be available where there is adequate specimen of suitable quality.

Requesting of additional examinations

Where further/additional analysis of specimens is subsequently required please contact the Department/Consultant Microbiologist as soon as possible

Additional testing may only be available where there is adequate specimen of suitable quality

Factors affecting suitability:

• Specimen type

• Age of specimen

• Volume of sample remaining post initial investigation

• Type of initial analysis performed

• Subsequent analysis requested

• Sample storage conditions

Specimens are routinely discarded in line with the time- frames indicated below: