Lines and Tips

Microbiology

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Specimen

Tips (of intravascular devices)

Specimen container

White top universal

To Request On EPIC

For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):

Search for: ‘Medical Device MC&S‘ or test code ‘LAB240‘

Collection

• The skin in the region of the intravascular catheter should be cleaned with alcohol and the catheter withdrawn with sterile forceps.
• The terminal 5 cm of the catheter tip should be cut off with sterile scissors and placed in a labelled dry sterile container.

If the line has been used in total parenteral nutrition please indicate on request form.

Special Instructions

Please list antibiotic therapy.

Tips should only be sent to microbiology once Blood Cultures have been performed

Test Usage

Determination of infection

Availability

Local test

Turnaround Time

48-72 hours

Specimen Labelling Procedure