Mycobacteria (TB) Culture

Microbiology

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Specimen

Sputum, Pus, Tissue, CSF

• Mycobacterium sp.

Sputum, Pus, Tissue, Bone Marrow, Blood Culture

• Mycobacterium intracellulare (MAI)

Skin Biopsy

• Mycobacterium marinum (fish tank granuloma)

Whole Early morning Urine – We aren’t currently processing urines for TB.  Requests should be discussed with a Consultant Microbiologist before sending

• Mycobacterium sp.

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

Specimen container

Sputa Pot                                                                      White Top Universal Tubes

Plain 24 hour Urine container – 1 litre volume 

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 – We aren’t currently processing urines for TB.  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

USAGE

Diagnosis of TB and other Mycobacterial infections

AVAILABILITY

Microscopy and Culture at RDE – Positive smears and cultures referred to ref lab for confirmation

REFERENCE LABORATORY

Cardiff

PROCESSING TIME

2-12 Weeks

URGENT SPECIMEN INSTRUCTIONS

Please phone laboratory if urgent smear required

Specimen Labelling Procedure