Mycobacteria (including TB) Culture

Microbiology

Usage

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB) and other Mycobacterial infections

Specimen

Respiratory Specimens (e.g. Sputum, BAL/BW, Pleural fluid)

Tissues & Fluids (e.g. Pus, Bone Marrow, CSF, Skin Biopsy)

Urine (Whole Early morning Urine) – Requests should be discussed with a Consultant Microbiologist before sending

Blood culture – Please see Mycobacterial Blood Culture page for more information

NB: Swabs are not suitable for Mycobacteria culture. These samples will be rejected. Please send Pus, Tissue or Fluid.

Specimen container

Sputum Pot White Top Universal Tubes

Plain 24 hour Urine container – 1 litre volume (Please request from Pathology Stores)

Special Instructions

Sputum

Please send separate specimens please for TB and “routine” culture
Send three separate specimens; preferably early morning on successive days if TB is suspected

Whole Early morning Urine – Requests should be discussed with a Consultant Microbiologist before sending

For Renal / Bladder TB, specimens should be taken before anti-tuberculosis therapy is started. Samples should be collected in the early morning on 3 consecutive days. The WHOLE first pass urine sample (ie not just 10mL) should be collected in a plain Urine container, and sent top Microbiology lab. Containers are obtained from Path Stores (01392 402906). (NB this is a smaller bottle than the Biochemistry 24 hour urine collection pot)

All Specimens

Please use risk of infection stickers
Please full clinical details for specimens other than sputum. E.g. CSF, Skin Biopsy/Tissues
Please state if this is a follow up sample from a previous positive. If yes, please give details of previous positive
Please state if the patient is on Anti-TB therapy
Bronchial Washings should not be repeated under 45 hours