Tissue for culture

Description: 
This test applies to tissues other than heart valves and gastric biopsies for H.pylori. Samples are processed for a Gram stain as well as culture. Orthopaedic prosthesis/metalwork-related tissues are cultured in broth in addition to routine culture.
Synonyms or keywords: 
tissue , biopsy
Sample type and Volume required: 
Sterile Universal container
Specimens received in formol-saline are not suitable for culture.
Turnaround time: 
2 - 5 days (5-10 days for prolonged culture)
Special sample instructions: 

Please indicate the site of the sample and whether mycobacterium culture is required.

Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). Samples should be refrigerated if transport to the laboratory is delayed.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 03/12/2017