Sputum/ Respiratory Culture

Pathology category

Microbiology

Code

SPC

Referral code

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Test information

For culture of all respiratory specimens. Tests performed in a UKAS Accredited Medical Laboratory No. 8873.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

BAL/bronchial washings: Minimum sample size is preferably 5 ml. Contamination of bronchoscope with tap water which may contain environmental Mycobacterium species should be avoided. Sputum: Should be relatively fresh (less than 1 day old) to minimise contamination. Purulent specimens are best. Minimum volume ideally 5 ml per sample collected early in the morning on 3 consecutive days, but will accept anything >1 ml. NOTE: The material required is from the lower respiratory tract expectorated by deep coughing. When the cough is dry, physiotherapy, postural drainage or inhalation of an aerosol before expectoration may be helpful. Any materials used in taking these samples must be discarded in an approved clinical waste and/or sharps container. If there is a delay in transporting the specimen to the laboratory, please refrigerate.

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

Sterile 60ml container (white top) or sterile 30ml universal container

Special requirements

These are classed as High risk specimensSputum, Bronchoalveolar lavage/brushings or washings, Pleural fluid, Transtracheal aspirate, Transthoracic aspirates. Suction traps should not be sent with the tube attachment. The tube must be replaced with the replacement lid provided in the collection kit. If caps are not available, the tubes should be sealed to ensure that they are leak proof.

Minimum volume

5ml

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

2 - 5 days

TAT Inpatient

TAT GP/Outpatient

2 - 5 days

Referral lab

Local