Sputum, Pus, Tissue, CSF
Sputum, Pus, Tissue, Bone Marrow, Blood Culture
Skin Biopsy
Whole Early morning Urine – Requests should be discussed with a Consultant Microbiologist before sending
NB: Pus swabs are not suitable for Mycobacteria culture. These samples will be rejected. Please send Pus, Tissue or Fluid.
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)
Diagnosis of TB and other Mycobacterial infections
Microscopy and Culture at RDE – Positive cultures referred to ref lab for confirmation
Cardiff
2-12 Weeks
Please phone laboratory if urgent smear required
British Thoracic Society Guidelines
AFB Testing – Lab Tests Online UK
Tuberculosis – Lab Tests Online UK
Non-tuberculous (Atypical) Mycobacterium – Lab Tests Online UK
(Key words: AFB)
Specimen Labelling Procedure