Microbiology

Preferred Sample Type

Pus and Exudates

Suitable Specimen Types

Pus

Pus and Exudates

Specimen Volume

>2mL

Specimen Transport

Sample should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible

Sample Preparation

Wherever possible, a sample of pus is preferable to a swab. The site from which the pus was obtained must be clearly stated. Pus should be sent in a sterile universal container.

Turnaround Time

2 to 4 Days (Negative Report) 3 to 5 Days (Positive Report)

Sample Stability

If transport is delayed, samples can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours

General Information

Microscopy (gram staining) is performed as well as culture for microorganisms.

When pathogens such as Actinomyces or tubercle bacilli are suspected, it should be clearly stated on the request form, as routine methods will not reveal these organisms.

 

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.

 

 

Specifications

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

Tags

Bacteriology Exudate Pus

Related Tests

General Bacteriology (M,C & S)

Creation Date

Monday, 19 November 2018

Modification Date

Friday, 23 February 2024

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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