Test Information:
To facilitate test ordering and expedite further testing of isolated pathogens hence, improve patient management. For isolation, identification and susceptibility of pathogenic organisms from specimen which are most likely to be polymicrobial and or Multi Drug Resistant and those with possible growth of fastidious organisms which needs extended incubation or any special instructions from the clinician (directly inoculated samples)
Specimen Container:
Sterile container or transport swab
Specimen Type:
- Sputum
- Lower respiratory samples (ex. ETA and TA)
- Urine
- Stool
- Aspirates and discharges
- Tissues or mass
- Sterile body fluids
- Other body fluids
Required Volume:
- Urine: 10 to 60 mL
- Stool: Pea size
- Other samples: 3 to 5 mL
Patient Preparation:
No Patient Preparation
Notes:
- Sputum sample, preferably early morning.
- Urine samples at least 20mL first morning specimen in a sterile container.
- Tissues can be submerged in sterile NSS.
- Other samples; no preparation needed
- Please indicate Time and Date of Collection.
- Include in Internal Message: ward, type of specimen, site of collection and special remarks/endorsement.
Storage & Stability
(Before Processing)
- For samples in swab:
Storage: 18 to 24°C
Stability: 24 hours - CSF:
Storage: 2 to 8°C
Stability: 1 hour - For sputum, lower respiratory specimen, urine, stool and other specimen type in sterile container:
Storage: 2 to 8°C
Stability: 24 hours
Transport Temperature:
- For swab samples: Room (18 to 24°C)
- For other specimen type: Ref (2 to 8°C)
Test Category:
Routine
Test Schedule:
Daily
Results Availability:
• Preliminary Report: Within 48 hours
• Final Report: 5 to 7 days
(May be extended depending on the pathogenic organisms isolated and on the physician’s request for extended incubation)