Microbiology

Preferred Sample Type

General Bacteriology (M,C & S)

Suitable Specimen Types

Charcoal Swab

General Bacteriology (M,C & S)

Turnaround Time

Varies Dependent upon test.

Sample Stability

If transport is delayed, swabs can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours

General Information

The laboratory will perform culture on a range of clinical specimens for pathogenic micro-organisms. Where appropriate; microscopic investigations will be performed, e.g. Gram’s stain. If investigations for TB are required this must be clearly indicated.

 

Significant isolates will be identified using a combination of mass spectrometry, (Maldi-TOF) and biochemical tests as required. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is carried out in accordance with EUCAST guidelines.

Organisms with unusual identity and/or susceptibility patterns may require confirmation by specialist referral centres.

 

Information Sharing: If your sample needs to be referred or a notifiable disease is detected from your sample, your details and sample may be shared with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is a legal requirement. The UKHSA is sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

 

 

 

Patient Preparation

Samples should be taken prior to antibiotic treatment. Otherwise, this should be stated on the request form

Specifications

  • EQA Status: Enrolled to UK NEQAS scheme
  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

Related Tests

Blood Cultures Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Faeces (M,C&S and Parasitology) MRSA Screen Mycology Pus and Exudates Sputum and Respiratory Samples Sterile Fluid Urine Microscopy & Culture

Creation Date

Wednesday, 07 November 2018

Modification Date

Friday, 23 February 2024

General Information

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Copyright UHB Pathology 2018

Protection of Personal Information – Clinical Laboratory Services comply with the Trust Data Protection Policy and have procedures in place to allow the Directorate and it’s employees to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and associated best practice and guidance.

University Hospitals Birmingham medical laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/

  • Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
  • Biochemistry is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8910
  • Haematology and Transfusion is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8784
  • Clinical Microbiology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8760
  • Cellular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 10141
  • Musculoskeletal laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 9897
  • Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital pathology laboratories are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8217.

Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further test information, please visit the test database: http://qehbpathology.uk/test-database

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 371 5962