Invasive eye specimens

Description: 
Aqueous/Vitreous taps and biopsies, washings from aqueous/vitreous humour, contact lens/fluids. Infections of the inner eye are caused by a variety of organims. The laboratory uses a variety of culture media to recover any aerobic, anaerobic and fungal isolates. It is important to send the respective material e.g. aqueous or vitreous humour aspirate fluid or tissue specimens in a sterile universal container. Microbiology will perform microscopy, isolation, identification and susceptibility of any organism likely to be pathogenic. Turn around time for Gram stain results are available within 4 hours of receipt of sample (Gram stain is not performed on contact lens/fluids). Culture results 5 days (contact lens/fluids 2-3 days).

Synonyms or keywords: 
Aqueous tap, Vitreous taps, Aqueous biopsies, Vitreous biopsies, washings from aqueous/vitreous humour, contact lens/fluids
Sample type and Volume required: 
Aqueous tap, Vitreous taps, Aqueous biopsies, Vitreous biopsies, washings from aqueous/vitreous humour, contact lens/fluids. Please send the sample in a plain sterile universal container.
Turnaround time: 
Gram stain same day (within 4 hrs), Culture result 5 days (contact lens/fluids 2-3 days). Significant Gram stain and culture results are telephoned to the ward or clinical team by Microbiology Clinical staff.
Special sample instructions: 

Culture material has to be obtained using strict aseptic techniques

Storage and transport: 
Sterile Universal container. If sample in a syringe, the needle must be removed before sending. Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR).
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: 27/11/2017