Auramine microscopy and continuous monitored incubation for culture of AAFB.
Indicated in the investigation of:
• Pulmonary tuberculosis
• Extra pulmonary tuberculosis can present as “cold” abscesses in almost all sites
• Lymphadenitis
• Bone and joint, including spinal tuberculosis
• Renal mycobacterial disease
Further identification and susceptibility testing are provided following referral to Birmingham PHL laboratory.
Container / Tube
Sputum pot. White topped sterile universal for other samples.
Collection Conditions
3 early morning samples on consecutive days for sputum and urine samples.
Availability
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, ĢtvƵ, LS9 7TF.
Additional Information
Sample type is dependent on the suspected site of infection.
Full clinical details are essential to providing correct test conditions.
Respiratory: BAL, ET secretions, pleural aspirate & tissue biopsy.
Renal: Early morning urine sample in a white topped sterile universal. Please note: urine samples in boric acid (red topped container) are unsuitable for testing.
TB Meningitis: CSF.
Extra Pulmonary: Dependent on site of disease, include lymph nodes, tissue, pus & gastric biopsies.
If in doubt contact laboratory, Tuberculosis is a notifiable disease.
Turnaround Time
Microscopy for AAFB available within 24 hours for samples received from Monday to Friday before 12:00pm. TAT for samples received weekends and bank holidays will be 3 days.
Culture 60 days. TAT may be increased if prolonged culture is indicated.
ID
3613