Culture will only be performed for samples received from the chest unit, from immunocompromised patients and those with chronic respiratory conditions (cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, COPD, PCD).
Culture for Legionella, Nocardia and Mycobacteria (including TB) can be specifically requested where indicated.
Note: where Pseudomonas aeruginosa is isolated from Cystic Fibrosis and Bronchiectasis patients we apply sensitivity testing criteria (with the exception of isolates from GP patients).
Sensitivity testing will only be performed in the following cases.
- It is the first isolate.
- It is more than 12 months since the last isolate was tested.
- If the clinical details mention poor response to therapy, commencing therapy or there is a specific request for sensitivity testing.
Sample type
- Sputum, Endotracheal or Tracheal Aspirates, Nasopharyngeal Aspirates / Secretions
- Cough Swabs
- Antral / Sinus Washouts
- Endotracheal Tips
Specimen requirements
Send in a sterile universal container. For cough swabs use a ∑-TRANSWAB® (MWE) tube (purple top)
For sputum samples - ensure specimen comprises sputum (not saliva / food); samples of saliva only will not be processed
Minimum volume
For routine culture - 1ml
For further tests - 5ml
Frequency of test
Daily
Turnaround time
Routine respiratory culture - 5 days
What to request on EPR
Respiratory MCS - > specimen type sputum
