LABELLING OF SPECIMENS The laboratory will not perform tests on inadequately identified samples. (See Blood Transfusion section for their labelling policy). Please see below for the departmental test repertoire. REPERTOIRE, REFERENCE RANGES AND TURNAROUND TIMES TEST CONTAINER VOLUME Turnaround Time COMMENT Add on time limit Full Blood Count EDTA (purple) 4ml Routine 4 hours ========= Urgent 1 hour 4ml FBC includes an automated differential. A manual film will only be done if requested or indicated. <24 hrs. Sickle screen EDTA (purple) 4ml Routine 24 hours ========= Urgent 1 hour Can be performed on the same sample as FBC. URGENT pre-op only. 5 days Monospot EDTA (purple) 4ml Routine 24 hours ========= Urgent N/A Can be performed on the same sample as FBC. 2 days (whole blood) Reticulocytes EDTA (purple) 4ml Routine 4 hours ========= Urgent 1 hour Can be performed on the same sample as FBC. <24 hrs. Malaria parasites EDTA (purple) 4ml 3 hours Can be performed on the same sample as FBC. Full clinical details, prophylaxis and area of travel are essential. 8 hrs. for films. 3 days for RDT Hb electrophoresis EDTA (purple) 4ml Routine 24 hours (1 working day) ========= CWH & CXH Routine 2- 3 Can be performed on the same sample as FBC.Ethnic origin essential. 5 days
days ========= Urgent same day (lab must be informed of sample) HPLC Abnormal ANC patient’s interim report - - 3 working days Ante-natal patients’ guidelines N/A Ham’s Test NA. Contact department ESR Vacu Code (black) (CXH & CWH) EDTA (purple) 4ml Routine 4 hours ========= Urgent 2 hours Tube must be filled correctly Only CW & CX – 8hrs G6PD EDTA (purple) 4ml Routine <5 days ========= Urgent 4 hr. Urgent requests for patients starting on rasburicase must be approved by Haematology Registrar out of hours 5 days Haptoglobin Plain tube (red) 5ml Routine 7 days ========= Urgent N/A N/A 24 hrs. (sample must be separated on receipt Urinary haemosiderin Universal container 10ml Routine 5 days ========= Urgent N/A Early morning urine N/A Prothrombin time Citrate (blue) 2.7or 4.5ml Routine 4 hours ========= Urgent 1 hour bottles cannot be accepted as results are inaccurate. 4 hrs INR (warfarin control) Citrate (blue) 2.7 or 4.5ml Routine 4 hours ========= Urgent 1 hour bottles cannot be accepted as results are inaccurate. Can be added at any time as long as PT has been performed APTT APTTR Citrate (blue) 2.7 or 4.5ml Routine 4 hours ========= Urgent 1 hour bottles cannot be accepted, as results are inaccurate. 4 hrs. for APTT (for APTTR see INR above)
Thrombin time Citrate (blue) 2.7 or 4.5ml Routine 4 hours ========= Urgent 1 hour bottles cannot be accepted, as results are inaccurate. 4 hrs Coagulation screen: (PT, APTT, Fibrinogen) Citrate (blue) 2.7 or 4.5ml Routine 4 hours ========= Urgent 1 hour bottles cannot be accepted, as results are inaccurate. 4 hrs. D-Dimer Citrate (blue) 2.7 or 4.5ml Routine 4 hours ========= Urgent 1 hour bottles cannot be accepted as results are inaccurate. 4 hrs. Antiphospholipid antibodies screen These investigations require special collection procedures, contact laboratory for details NB at CWH 3 x 4.5 ml Citrate (blue) required 4 hrs. post draw (1 month if frozen) DRVVT (DRVVT is part of lupus screen) Citrate See comment 14 days Refer to laboratory for sample bottle & volume 4 hrs. post draw (1 month if frozen) Thrombophilia These investigations require special collection procedures, contact laboratory for details NB at CWH 4 x 4.5 ml Citrate (blue) and 1 x 4.0 ml EDTA required 4 hrs. post draw (1 month if frozen) Activated Protein C Citrate 4.5 ml 14 days Must be approved by Haematology Registrar 4 hrs. post draw (1 month if frozen) Antithrombin Citrate 4.5 ml 14 days Must be approved by Haematology Registrar 4 hrs. post draw (1 month if frozen) Protein C Activity Citrate 4.5 ml 14 days Must be approved by Haematology Registrar 4 hrs. post draw (1 month if frozen) Protein S Free Citrate 4.5 ml 14 days Must be approved by Haematology Registrar 4 hrs. post draw (1 month if frozen) Prothrombin gene mutation EDTA 4 ml 28 days Must be approved by Haematology Registrar Indefinitely but routine samples may only be stored for 5days
Test Sample type Container Ref Ranges Turnaround time Additional requirements and other comments 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 7 days 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 4 days See under 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) 0.22-0.38g/L 21 days Separate and freeze immediately Transport frozen 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) 0.7-1.3 g/L 21 days Separate and freeze immediately Transport frozen 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) 0-10 U/ml 21 days Not routinely available. Please discuss with lab prior to taking sample. 1 mL Serum 5 mL SST (Gold top) C3 : 0.7-1.7 g/L C4 : 0.16-0.54 g/L 4 days 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 28 days Separate and freeze immediately Transport frozen Whole blood (Clearly labelled with surname, forename, hospital / NHS number and date of birth) 1 x 10 mL (or 2 x 6 mL) EDTA (lavender top) 90 days Record the date the sample was taken on the request form. The sample should be sent in a secure container (at ambient temperature) by first class post (within UK) or by courier (outside UK). Due to the specific nature of these tests, they must be with a senior scientist (Dr P Pantelidis, Dr A Cox) from the Immunology laboratory, who will also supply you with a special request form. The request form can also be
downloaded from . If there is uncertainty regarding the gene target(s), we recommend that you contact Prof. Matthew Pickering (Professor of Rheumatology, Centre for Complement & Inflammation Research (CCIR)) before placing a request. Test Sample type Container Ref Ranges Turnaround time Additional requirements and other comments 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) 50-125 % of normal 21 days Separate and freeze immediately Transport frozen 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) 50-125 % of normal 21 days Separate and freeze immediately Transport frozen 1 mL Serum 5 mL SST (Gold top) <5 AU/mL 14 days 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) <30 iu/ml 10 days 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 14 days 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 28 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Protein Reference Unit, Sheffield 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative, Positive range : 0-40 AU/mL 10 days screen (14 days specificities) 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Antigenically present 28 days Test Sample type Container Ref Ranges Turnaround time Additional requirements and other comments
1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) (Sterile Universal if CSF) <5.0 AU/mL 21 days [includesGM1, GM2, GM3, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, GQ1b] 1 mL Serum(Can also be performed on CSF) 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) (Sterile Universal if CSF) <500 = negative 28 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Neuroimmunology Laboratory, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 7 days 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) <7 U/mL = Negative 7 – 10 U/mL = Equivocal >10 U/mL = Positive 5 days 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) 0.15 mg/L (minimum protective level) 1 mg/L (optimum protective level) 28 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Department of Immunology, Dudley Road Hospital, Birmingham. Not normally tested for patients >4yrs of age 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 28 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Protein Reference Unit, Sheffield Test Sample type Container Ref Ranges Turnaround time Additional requirements and other comments
1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Age related. See additional comments field. 14 days Reference Range 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 28 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Protein Reference Unit in Sheffield. 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 14 days 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 14 days 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 14 days 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 14 days [includes M2, PML, GP210, LKM1, LC1, SLA and SP100] 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 7 days screen (14 days confirmation) 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 7 days screen (14 days confirmation) Test Sample type Container Ref Ranges Turnaround time Additional requirements and other comments
Whole blood Adults 10-20 mL Lithium Heparin (green top) Children 5-10 mL Lithium Heparin (green top) See report 10 days samples should be accompanied by blood from a healthy control Whole Blood 4 ml EDTA (lavender top) Note: Other volumes can be accommodated including smaller volumes for Paediatric samples See additional comments section for Adult ranges (>18 years) NB: values for children vary according to age 3 days Lymphocyte subpopulations Adults CD3+ T lymphocytes % 55-83 CD3+ T lymphocytes Absolute 700-2100 CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocyte % 28-57 CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocyte Absolute 300-1400 CD3+/CD8+ T lymphocyte % 10-39 CD3+/CD8+ T lymphocyte Absolute 200-900 CD19+ B lymphocyte % 6-19 CD19+ B lymphocyte Absolute 100-500 CD3-/CD16-CD56+ NK cells % 7-31 CD3-/CD16-CD56+ NK cells Absolute 90-600 Absolute Lymphocytes 1000-2800 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See report 28 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the CameliaBotnar Laboratories at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 7 days screen (14 days confirmation) 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 28 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Department of Immunology at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. Test Sample type Container Ref Ranges Turnaround time Additional requirements and other comments
1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 14 days 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 28 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Protein Reference Unit, Sheffield 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See additional comments 14 days Adult reference value Good level >39 U/ml Paediatric reference value *0-1 year Good level >14 U/ml 1-<2 years Good level >14 U/ml 2-<3 years Good level >19 U/ml 3-<4 years Good level >29 U/ml 4-<10 years Good level >44 U/ml 10-<18 years Good level >39 U/ml 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See additional comments 14 DAYS Negative (normal) Range: <14 RU/ml Weak Positive Range: ≥14 to <20 RU/ml Positive Range: ≥20 RU/ml It is acceptable for serum samples to be sent by post as autoantibodies are stable for 2-3 days at room temperature . 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See report 28 days Not available to order on Cerner. Must be consultant request Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Immunology Department in Cambridge 1 mL Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See additional information field 5 days <2 IU/mL = Neg 2 – 3 IU/mL = Equivocal >3 IU/mL = Pos Test Sample type Container Ref Ranges Turnaround time Additional requirements and other comments
Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 3 days (Confirmation: non-negatives up to 10 days) Indicates past infection - requested alongside hepatitis B surface antigen to rule out current or previous infection in non-responders to hepatitis B vaccine Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 3 days Post vaccination check for seroconversion Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 3 days (Confirmation: non-negatives up to 10 days) Acute/Chronic Hepatitis B Infection. (Hepatitis B viral load) Whole Blood 6 ml EDTA (Pink Top) Negative 5 days 10 ml EDTA tubes also accepted Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 7 days Screening test for antibodies to hepatitis C virus Hepatitis C virus (HCV) Antigen by EIA Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 5 days (Hepatitis C viral load) Whole Blood 6 ml EDTA (Pink Top) N/A 7 days 10 ml EDTA tubes also accepted HCV Genotyping EDTA whole blood 6 ml EDTA (Pink Top) N/A 7 days 10 ml EDTA tubes also accepted Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 14 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Virology at University College Hospital Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 14 days Serology for IgM and IgG, Current or Past Infection Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 7 days Serum/Saliva 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) / 250ul Saliva Negative 3 days (Confirmation: non-negatives Screening test for HIV antibodies : Please give detailed clinical information, including the date of onset/contact with the suspected infection
Test Sample type Container Ref Ranges Turnaround time Additional requirements and other comments Serum 5ml GEL SST Rust Top See report 5 days Past infection or vaccination Serum 5ml GEL SST Rust Top Negative 5 days Please give detailed clinical information, including date of onset/contact with the suspected infection Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 7 days Requests for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci and Coxiellaburnetii are to the Biomnis laboratories. Testing will be performed by a combination of enzyme immunoassay and immunofluorescence assays, Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See report 10 days Recent/past infection Nose and throat swabs NPA, BAL, ETA Universal transport medium Sterile Universal N/A 1 days (See note) Turnaround time is 3 days for CMV PCR and PCP /Rubella immunity screen Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) >10 IU/mL 3 days Antibody levels below 10 IU/mL may be insufficient to provide protection from clinical illness upon exposure to rubella virus Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See comment 7 days Please state gestation period, date and nature and ?pregnant The presence of antibody levels of at least 10 IU/mL of sample is indicative of past exposure to rubella virus Serum 5ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See report 3 days Past Infection Viral Detection (PCR) CSF, Plasma Negative 5 days Includes HHV6, HHV8, JCV Virus, Parvovirus, ParechovirusEnterovirus, HSV EBV (CSF) and CMV (CSF). Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Micropathology, Coventry Varicella zoster PCR CSF / Swab Plasma VTM if swab sent Negative 5 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Micropathology, Coventry Microbiology Serology Test Repertoire (see also General Notes on Infection & Immunity tests requirements in previous section)
Test Sample Type Container Ref Ranges Turnaround time Additional requirements and other comments 5-flucytosine levels and other antifungal assays Voriconazole, Posaconazole, Itraconazole and Hydroxy-Itraconazole are no longer managed by NWL Pathology. This service is now performed by the Leslie Brent Laboratory at Hammersmith Hospital who should be contacted regarding any enquiries for these tests. Questions or information requests about the service provided should be directed to the Brent lab by email: or by contacting the laboratory on 020 331 36637. Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See report 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Quest Diagnostics Ascaris Antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See report 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Quest Diagnostics Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Public Health England, Colindale Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See report 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Bristol Royal Infirmary Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See Report 4 days Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Bristol Royal Infirmary Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Public Health England, Colindale Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Public Health England, Colindale Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Contact the laboratory to discuss the appropriateness of the investigation. Referred to Public Health England, Colindale Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 14 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Brucella Diagnostics Unit, Liverpool. Coccidioides Abs Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See report 2-5 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Mycology Reference Lab, Bristol Test Sample Type Container Ref Ranges Turnaround time Additional requirements and other comments
Cystercercosis antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London. Entamoebahistolytica Abs Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See report 21 days See Fasciola Antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London. Filarial Antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Quest Diagnostics Histoplasma antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Mycology Ref Lab, PHE, Bristol Hydatid antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Quest Diagnostics Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Preferred test is the Legionella antigen test. Leishmania antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See report 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Quest Diagnostics Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Leptospira Reference Unit in Hereford Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 8 days (Non Negative Results 10 - 14 days) Positive Samples are sent to the Public Health England reference laboratory at Porton Down, Salisbury Please review Borrelia testing Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 8 days (Non Negatives 10 - 14 days) Positive Samples are sent to the Public Health England reference laboratory at Porton Down, Salisbury Please review Borrelia testing Serum 6 ml EDTA (Pink Top) Negative 3 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Manchester Royal Infirmary. Test Sample Type Container Ref Ranges Turnaround time Additional requirements and other comments
Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Public Health England Reference Laboratory at Porton Down, Salisbury Schistosomal antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) See report 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Quest Diagnostics Strongyloides antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Quest Diagnostics RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 7 days Usually performed as part of Syphilis screening test. Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 3 days Toxocara Antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Quest Diagnostics Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative (<1:16) 7 days Samples giving a positive screening test result will be reported as such and sent to a reference laboratory for further tests. Trichinella antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Quest Diagnostics Trypanosomal Antibodies Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London. (please also see Leptospira antibodies) Whipples PCR Whole Blood 6 ml EDTA (Pink Top) Negative 21 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to Micropathology, Coventry Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) Negative 21 days Referred to Public Health England, Colindale
Consultant (Speciality Lead for Microbiology) Dr Hugo Donaldson* (See also HH site below) 31973 via Switchboard GPs GP only clinical advice enquiries 07827 904 038 Charing Cross (Laboratory based on this site) Charing Cross Hospital clinical advice enquiries (voicemail available) 17801 / 17802 2068 Laboratory Manager Manfred Almeida 17262 Mobile 07827 904062 Specialist Scientist Sweenie Goonesekera 17883 Specialist Scientist Monica Rebec 17883 Consultant Dr. Frances Davies 17256 Infection and Immunity Sciences Governance & Quality Manager Emer Fahy 15175 Department secretary 17262 / 17257 Departmental Fax 17261 On-Call BMS 0248 St Mary’s St Mary’s hospital clinical advice enquiries 21562 Consultant Dr Dunisha Samarasinghe 21074 via Switchboard Consultant Dr Jim Hatcher 21817 via Switchboard Consultant Dr. Giovanni Satta 25304 via Switchboard Specialist Registrars 21562 / 25345 1010 Chelsea & Westminster Specialist Registrars 58273 / 57264 4318 / 7260 Consultant Dr. Nabeela Mughal 57259 / 57264 via Switchboard Locum Consultant Dr. Luke Moore 58273 / 57264 Hammersmith Hammersmith hospital clinical advice enquiries 32075 / 73 (not manned during ward rounds) Specialist Registrars 5008 Consultant Dr. Kathy Bamford 31974 / 32073 via Switchboard Consultant Dr Anan Ghazy 32080 via Switchboard Consultant Dr. Hugo Donaldson* (based primarily at HH) 31973 Microbiology Specimen Reception at HH 32060 SPECIMEN INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL TESTS If samples cannot be sent to the laboratory immediately they should be kept at 4°C to prevent bacterial growth. The exception is blood cultures where they should be sent immediately to the Microbiology Department for incubation at 37°C.
Investigation Samples tested Container & Sample volume Turnaround time Additional transport requirements and other comments Aseptically collected bone marrow sample Sterile universal container for specific tests, such as Leishmania microscopy, culture and PCR. -Blood culture bottle for routine bacteriological investigations 1-2 weeks Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection or store overnight at room temperature. Nasopharyngeal swab, Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA), Pernasal swab Amies transport medium containing charcoal for both nasopharyngeal and pernasal samples. --Sterile universal container for NPA samples with a minimum volume of 1 mL 7-10 days Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection or store overnight at room temperature CSF Preferably three sequentially labelled sterile universal containers ≥1 mL 3 days Transport to the laboratory as soon as possible, after informing laboratory personnel First-catch urine• Genital swabs (urethral, cervical, vulvo-vaginal and rectal) • Extra-genital swabs (throat or conjunctival) Urine in sterile universal container -BD ProbTec™ sample collection kit (male/female). Click for instructions on self collection of vaginal swabs 5 days Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection or store overnight at room temperature (See also )
Investigation Samples tested Container & Sample volume Turnaround time Additional transport requirements and other comments (See also First-catch urine• Genital swabs (urethral, cervical, vulvo-vaginal and rectal) • Extra-genital swabs (throat or conjunctival) Urine in sterile universal container -BD ProbTec™ sample collection kit (male/female). Click for instructions on self collection of vaginal swabs 5 days Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection or store overnight at room temperature Note: The laboratory is not UKAS accredited for the secondary test performed on positive Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) NAAT screening tests. See for further information Sample sent for Chlamydia/gonorrhoea NAAT positive for C.trachomatis BD Qx SDA collection kit 1 week Other sample sites (e.g. urine, throat) may be accepted; please contact the laboratory if required. Faeces 5 - 10 mls in Sterile universal container 24 hours Plus 14 days for ribotyping Contact lens or fluid Contact lens container 7 days Corneal scrape material Culture Plates 5 days Only available for samples sent from the Western Eye Hospital Corneal scrape material Slide 1 day Swabs, urine Swabs in Amies transport medium 3 days Serum, CSF Rust Top Vacutainer, sterile universal container for CSF 1 day Swabs from ear, nose, throat or pharyngeal, mouth, tongue Amies transport medium 3 days Exit site swabs Amies transport medium 3 days Eye , conjunctival swab Amies transport medium 3 days
Investigation Samples tested Container & Sample volume Turnaround time Additional transport requirements and other comments Faeces 5 - 10 ml in Sterile universal container 3 days Faeces 5 - 10 ml in Sterile universal container. See for instructions to patients on collecting a faeces sample. 2 - 4 days Samples may be referred to Public Health England for further investigation in which case TAT will be extended up to an additional 25 days Faeces, Whole parasite or segments, Sellotape® slide for pinworm investigation 5 - 10 ml in Sterile universal container 3 days For invasive amoebiasis, a fresh ‘hot’ sample should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible. Samples may be referred to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for further investigation Faeces 1 – 2 ml (min 0.5ml) in Sterile Universal container 3 days See also Drain fluid / collection Sterile Universal container 5 days Bile, synovial (joint) fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid Sterile Universal. Always submit as much fluid as possible; never submit swab dipped in fluid. 5 days
Investigation Samples tested Container & Sample volume Turnaround time Additional transport requirements and other comments Skin scrapings, Hair (plucked with follicles), Nail clippings Dermapak™, Mycotrans™ and/or sterile universal container 4-5 weeks Transport to the laboratory within 2-3 days of collection. Store at room temperature in dry conditions For skin scrapings and nail clippings disinfect the affected area with alcohol and collect sufficient amount. For hair samples, include at least 10 infected hair strands Tissue and/or biopsy samples, Bone marrow aspirate Sterile universal container 4-5 weeks Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection or store overnight at room temperature Respiratory samples (including sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washing, etc.), Sterile fluids (including pleural fluid), Swabs (including ENT, oral, genital, etc.) • Swabs in Amies transport medium • Other samples in sterile universal container 2 weeks Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection or store overnight at room temperature Performed by Clinical Biochemistry laboratory. Refer to website Genital swabs (urethral, cervical, vulvo-vaginal), Extra-genital swabs (rectal and throat), swabs are occasionally submitted for candidiasis/balanitis in men Pre-inoculated culture media for the microorganisms above are at sexual health clinics and incubated at at 5 % CO2. 3 days Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection . Samples may be referred to the Sexually Transmitted Bacteria Reference Laboratory, Public Health England, for further investigation
Investigation Samples tested Container & Sample volume Turnaround time Additional transport requirements and other comments Cervical and endocervical swabs, High vaginal swabs (HVS), Low vaginal swabs (LVS), Labial or vulval swabs Amies transport medium containing charcoal for cervical and endocervical swabs, Amies transport medium for all other sites 3 days Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection or store overnight at room temperature Gastric or deodenal biopsy Sterile universal container 7-10 days Samples may be referred to Public Health England for further investigation Faeces 5 - 10 ml in Sterile universal container 3 days Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) 1 day Only available out of hours and by arrangement with the Microbiology medical staff. In hours, urgent HIV testing is performed by the I&I laboratory and must be arranged with them in advance. All samples are forwarded to the Infection & Immunity laboratory for confirmation of results. 5 cm distal tip Sterile universal container 3 days IUC device Sterile universal container 7-10 days Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection Respiratory samples (sputum, BAL, BW, TA), Sputum samples (expectorated or induced) 2 mls in Sterile universal container (not sputum trap container) 7-10 days Please request separately. Not included in standard respiratory culture testing Samples may be referred to the Atypical Pneumonia Unit, Public Health England, for further investigation
Investigation Samples tested Container & Sample volume Turnaround time Additional transport requirements and other comments Urine 5 mL in Sterile universal container 24 hrs Samples may be referred to Public Health England for further investigation Lymphogranulomavenereum (LGV) PCR Sample sent for Chlamydia/gonorrhoea NAAT positive for C.trachomatis BD Qx SDA collection kit 1 week Other sample sites (e.g. urine, throat) may be accepted; please contact the laboratory if required. (See also Chlamydia trachomatis information Faecal sample or other relevant sample (mainly tissue biopsy) depending on clinical presentations 5 - 10 ml in Sterile universal container 7-14 days Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases Nose or nose/axilla/groin swabs Amies transport medium 2 days High vaginal sample (female), Urethral swab or semen (male) 2 mls in Sterile universal container 5 days Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection or store overnight at room temperature Please request separately. Not included in standard genital culture testing NPA fluid > 2 mls in Sterile universal container 3 days Samples should be sent to Virology if viral infections are suspected. If bacterial infection is suspected, routine culture for bacteria and fungi can be performed.
Investigation Samples tested Container & Sample volume Turnaround time Additional transport requirements and other comments Swab from neonate’s ear post delivery, Swabs from umbilical, nose, groin areas if clinically relevant Amies transport medium 3 days Faeces 1 – 2 ml (min 0.5ml) in Sterile Universal container 3 days Penile swab Amies transport medium 3 days Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection or store overnight at room temperature Swab Amies transport medium (Up to) 5 days PDF Two to three sterile universal containers each containing approx. 20 mL of fluid 7 days Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection Cell count: <100 WBCs/µL Bile, synovial (joint) fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid Sterile Universal. Always submit as much fluid as possible; never submit swab dipped in fluid. 5 days Urine 5 mL in Sterile universal container 24 hrs Induced sputum, Bronchoalveolar lavage, Bronchial washing 2 mls in Sterile universal container 2 days Note: The laboratory is not UKAS accredited for this test. See for further information
Investigation Samples tested Container & Sample volume Turnaround time Additional transport requirements and other comments Terminal catch of early morning urine Sterile universal container 2 days Cervical and endocervical swabs, High vaginal swabs (HVS), Low vaginal swabs (LVS), Labial or vulval swabs Amies transport medium containing charcoal for cervical and endocervical swabs, Amies transport medium for all other sites 3 days Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection or store overnight at room temperature Performed by Clinical Biochemistry laboratory. Refer to website Wound, Ulcer, Umbilical swabs Amies transport medium 3 days See statement at beginning of test table on extended turnaround times if referred