Respiratory Culture
Clinical Background:
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are any infection of the sinuses, throat, airways or lungs. They are usually caused by viruses, but can be caused by bacteria. RTIs are thought to be one of the ...
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are any infection of the sinuses, throat, airways or lungs. They are usually caused by viruses, but can be caused by bacteria. RTIs are thought to be one of the main reasons why people visit their GP or pharmacist. The common cold is the most widespread RTI. Healthcare professionals generally make a distinction between upper and lower RTIs.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Sputum, BAL, ET secretions or other respiratory sample in sterile universal
Sputum, BAL, ET secretions or other respiratory sample in sterile universal
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Sputum, BAL, ET secretions or other respiratory sample in sterile universal
Sputum, BAL, ET secretions or other respiratory sample in sterile universal
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Minimum Volume Adult:
N/A
N/A
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
N/A
N/A
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Special Requirement:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Stable for up to 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Add On Test:
N/A
N/A
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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme
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Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
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Reference Ranges:
N/A
N/A
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI) B 57
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI) B 57