Test Directory
Joint/Bursa aspirate - Routine M,C & S
Containers - Adult
Plain Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
1 - 20 ml
Additive per Container
NONE |
Blood Culture Set - Adult
|
Volume Range
8 - 10 ml in each bottle |
Containers - Child
|
Plain Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
As adult |
Blood Culture Set - Paediatric
|
Volume Range
Up to 4 ml |
Laboratory Site
RIE
51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Telephone (Bacteriology): 0131 242 6021 OOH Bleep 2900
SJH
Howden Road West
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Telephone (Bacteriology): 01506 52 3075 OOH contact RIE
Transport arrangements
Transport as soon as is practicable.
Sample storage arrangements
If delay in transporting, store neat samples in the fridge (4-6°C). If blood culture bottles have also been inoculated then store these at room temperature.
Special instructions for collection
Useful: in patients where septic arthritis, bursitis, or crystal arthropathy is suspected.
Do not submit specimen in a syringe. If infection is within the differential diagnosis, innoculate fluid into blood culture bottles in addition to a sterile universal container.
How to request
GP comms, via Trak ("C&S - Fluids" then specify specimen type "Fluid, synovial") or via request form.
Availability
24 hours (RIE), 0900-1700 (SJH)
Anticipated turnaround
Up to 6 days
What happens if the result is positive or abnormal
Telephoned by microbiologist.
General additional information
Microscopy for crystal detection is done routinely.