TB Early Morning Urine

Description: 
Microscopy (auramine staining for AFB ) is not performed on EMU samples. This sample is sent to the National Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory for identification and sensitivity testing.
Clinical details: 
EMUs are NOT indicated except in the following circumstances: suspected renal TB, miliary TB, or disseminated mycobacterial infection in the context of severe immunocompromise e.g. HIV
Synonyms or keywords: 
EMU , AFB
Sample type and Volume required: 
Please Note: : Collect complete EMU samples on 3 consecutive days into 1 litre bottles obtainable from Central Specimen Reception both at St Thomas ''s hospital and Guys hospital
Turnaround time: 
Culture 6-10 weeks (6 weeks for a negative culture). Significant cultures are telephoned to the ward or clinical team by Microbiology Clinical staff.
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: 08/06/2020