Respiratory Culture (not including Mycobacteria/TB)

Microbiology

Sputum, Bronchial Washings (BALs), Cough Swabs, ETT, Pleural Fluid

Sputum Pot, Universal, Charcoal swab

For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):

Search for: ‘Respiratory sample MC&S‘ or test code ‘LAB900‘

Patients should be given instructions on specimen requirements. Saliva specimens will be rejected by the laboratory.

Please give relevant clinical information as this will affect how we process the sample e.g.:

If patient has Cystic Fibrosis, please state if this is a new patient, if it is a Annual Review specimen or if they have an acute exacerbation.

Do not repeat specimen under 48 hours.

Diagnosis of bacterial chest infections.

NB: We DO NOT routinely culture all samples for Mycobacteria/AFB (e.g. Tuberculosis.) If you are considering Mycobacteria, please request this specifically.

Local test

48-72 Hours