Test Directory

Sputum for TB

Containers - Adult

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Sputum Pot
Volume Range

Up to 5ml

Additive per Container

NONE
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Plain Sterile Universal Container
Volume Range

Up to 5ml

Containers - Child

SputumPot.jpg
Sputum Pot
Volume Range

As adult
SterileUniversal20ml.jpg
Plain Sterile Universal Container

Laboratory Site

RIE
51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Telephone (Bacteriology): 0131 242 6021 OOH Bleep 2900
Scottish Mycobacteria Reference Lab
Microbiology Department
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Little France Crescent
Edinburgh EH16 4SA
Telephone: 0131 242 6022/3 (Lab) 0131 242 6016 (Office)

Transport arrangements

Transport as soon as is practicable.

Sample storage arrangements

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

Special instructions for collection

Useful: in patients with suspected mycobacterial lung infection.

Early morning sputum samples (shortly after the patient wakes) have the highest yield. If the patient is not expectorating and mycobacterial disease needs excluded, then induce 2-3 sputum samples on three consecutive days and transport to the laboratory.

How to request

GP comms, via Trak ("Mycobacteria TB Ix - Respiratory(Routine) and specify site), or request form.

Availability

0900-1700, Monday - Friday (RIE)

Anticipated turnaround

Microscopy: 1 day. Culture: 4 - 6 weeks. 

What happens if the result is positive or abnormal

Telephoned by microbiologist.

General additional information

For further information, please see Scottish Mycobacteria Reference Laboratory