Biochemistry
Haematology and Transfusion
Clinical Microbiology (Including Virology)
Cellular Pathology
General Information
Immunology
Molecular Pathology
Preferred Sample Type
Swabs
Turnaround Time
3 daysSample Stability
If transport is delayed, samples can be refrigerated for up to 24 hoursGeneral Information
Material on swabs dries out rapidly and organisms will lose viability. Transport media is provided within the swab container, therefore rapid transit to the laboratory is essential.
Charcoal swabs are not suitable for virology investigations.
The site from which the swab has been taken must be clearly indicated on both the request form and swab container. Please provide relevant clinical details.
Conjunctival swabs should always be obtained before antibiotic creams or drops are applied. Investigations for chlamydial disease require a special collection set available from Specimen Reception, (extension 13306).
IUCD are also suitable for culture and must be sent to the laboratory in a sterile universal container. Cultures from IUCD samples are incubated for up to 10 days.
If Acanthamoeba infection is suspected, consult a Medical Microbiologist before taking any samples. This investigation is not performed in this laboratory and must be referred.
Microscopy for Bacterial vaginosis will be performed on vaginal charcoal swabs from patients aged 12 to 55 and will be reported using Ison-Hays grading.
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