Test Directory

Arterial/venous line tips - Routine C & S

Containers - Adult

SterileUniversal20ml.jpg
Plain Sterile Universal Container
Additive per Container

NONE

Containers - Child

SterileUniversal20ml.jpg
Plain Sterile Universal Container
Additive per Container

NONE

Laboratory Site

RIE
51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Telephone (Bacteriology): 0131 242 6021 OOH Bleep 2900
SJH
Howden Road West
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Telephone (Bacteriology): 01506 52 3075 OOH contact RIE

Transport arrangements

Transport as soon as practicable

Sample storage arrangements

If delay in transporting, store in the fridge (4-6°C).

Special instructions for collection

Useful: In patients with suspected line infections e.g. site inflamed, fever with central line in situ, where the line has been removed because of suspicion of infection.

Don't send line tips unless there is a suspicion of line-related blood stream infection. Send in conjunction with a pair of peripheral blood cultures. 

How to request

Via Trak ("C&S - Line Tips") then select type of line, and line location.

Availability

24 hours (RIE). 0900-1700 (SJH).

Anticipated turnaround

Culture: up to 5 days.

What happens if the result is positive or abnormal

Telephoned by microbiologist.

General additional information

Urinary catheter tips are not processed - please send a urine sample.