Test Directory
Ascitic fluid - Routine M,C & S
Containers - Adult
Plain Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
1 - 20 ml |
Blood Culture Set - Adult
|
Volume Range
8 - 10 ml |
Containers - Child
|
20ml Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
As adult |
Blood Culture Set - Paediatric
|
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Laboratory Site
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Transport arrangements
Transport as soon as possible to nearest lab.
Sample storage arrangements
Store neat fluid in the fridge (4-6°C). Specimens in blood culture bottles should be stored at room temperature.
Special instructions for collection
Useful for:
Patients where there is a suspicion of bacterial peritonitis
Collection:
Aseptic technique essential. Send samples in universal container (1-20ml) and paired Blood Culture bottles, optimally filled with 8-10mls in each. Blood culture bottles increase the yield and decrease the likelihood of contamination. Fill the (red) anaerobic bottle first.
How to request
Via Trak ("C&S - Fluids" then update site to "Fluid,ascitic"). Use same Trak label for universal container and culture bottles. Alternatively, order on request form.
Availability
RIE: 24 hours.
SJH: 0900-1700 Mon - Fri (0900-1600 Sat/Sun). Urgent samples taken out of hours at St Johns should be transported by taxi to the RIE Microbiology Labs for microscopy. Contact on call RIE Microbiology BMS (via switchboard) prior to sending sample to arrange.
Anticipated turnaround
Microscopy - 20 minutes from arrival in lab. Phone microbiology labs to alert sample is coming. Culture: up to 5 days.
What happens if the result is positive or abnormal
Telephoned by Microbiologist.