| Test Name: Sputum - Mycobacteria investigation | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternate Test Names | AFB (Acid and Alcohol Fast Bacilli)- sputum; Atypical Mycobacteria (Mycobacterium avium complex)-sputum; Mycobacteria investigation- sputum; Respiratory Investigation for Acid-Fast Bacilli; TB investigation- sputum | ||
| PLS Test Code | TB | Laboratory | Microbiology |
| Specimen | Sputum | Analysis Performed On | |
| Container | Urine/Specimen container 50ml | Container colour | Yellow |
| Multiple specimens | |||
| Required Volume Adult (mL) | Req Vol Paediatric (mL) | ||
| Reference Ranges | |||
| Turnaround Time Routine | Turnaround Time Urgent | ||
| Turnaround Other | Microscopy < 8 hours Culture <6 weeks | ||
| Days test is performed | Daily Monday to Friday | Transport | 4 degrees C (On Ice) |
| Special Requirements | Three early morning specimens | ||
| Patient Preparation | Give the patient three yellow top 50ml containers. Make sure they are clearly labelled with patient details and labelled Specimen 1,2 and 3. Three sputum specimens must be collected each produced on a different day. Delivery on the day of collection is preferred. Specimens must be refrigerated at 4 degrees C. | ||
| Collection Instructions | If patient is ordered a nebulizer, administer prior to specimen collection. Explain to the patient that a deep cough is needed to produce sputum. The first early morning specimen is preferred by Pathology Department. Instruct the patient to rinse his/her mouth with water. If the patient has dentures they are to be removed. Instruct the patient to take a deep breath then cough, collect the specimen directly into the yellow screw top container and seal. Check there is an adequate specimen of sputum and not saliva in the container. A single specimen is adequate for M&C, cytology, fungal and TB cultures. Specimens for Cytology must be sent immediately to prevent deterioration of the exfoliated cells. Dispatch labelled specimen to Pathology Department with completed request form. | ||
| Clinical Information | |||
| Sent to Reference Laboratory | No | ||
| Ref Laboratory Name | |||
| Estimated Patient Fee | N/A | ||
| Last Updated | 25-Aug-2006 (Version: 1.00) | ||