Test Directory

Sterile fluid other sites - Routine M, C & S

Containers - Adult

SterileUniversal20ml.jpg
Plain Sterile Universal Container
Volume Range

1-20 ml

Additive per Container

NONE

Containers - Child

SterileUniversal20ml.jpg
Plain Sterile Universal Container
Volume Range

As adult

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 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 fluid has been aspirated from a sterile site and infection 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 and site) 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

This includes all fluid from a sterile sites including pus and aspirates.