Collection of Samples for Microbiology Testing

Written by Clare Overton Lewis on .

Please refer to individual tests in the test database for information on acceptable sample types and how to collect them.

General Collection of Sample Information

Please be aware that the taking and handling of specimens before they reach the laboratory can have a significant impact on test sensitivity. Hence, please ensure the correct techniques and equipment are used.

Expiry date on the collection tubes exceeded.

A number of sample collection containers are supplied with an expiry date printed on the collection tube. These include:

1ML LIQUID AMIES REGULAR FLOCKED SWAB
MRSA COLLECTION KIT 2 REGULAR SWABS
AMIES WITH CHARCOAL SWABS
Liquid Aimes Transport swab, urethral flocked swab
BLOOD TUBES – including EDTA
APTIMA Unisex Collection Kit
APTIMA Urine Collection Kit
APTIMA Vaginal Swab Collection Kit
Viral Transport swab – GREEN TOPS

Expiry dates on sample containers will be examined upon receipt in the laboratory, if the expiry date has been exceeded the sample will be REJECTED. Please note it is your responsibility to check the expiry date on a sample collection tube BEFORE you collect the sample.

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Copyright heftpathology 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

HTA licence number is 12366

Protection of Personal Information – Laboratory Medicine comply with the Trust Data Protection Policy and have procedures in place to allow the Directorate and it’s employees to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and associated best practice and guidance.

The Trust Laboratories at Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital were awarded UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation to the internationally recognised ISO 15189 standard in May 2015. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the test database http://www.heftpathology.com/frontpage/test-database.html.
Tests not appearing on this scope are either under consideration or in the process of accreditation and so currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 424 1235

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