Test Directory

Corneal scrapings - Routine M, C & S

Containers - Adult

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Agar Plates
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Slides
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Slide Format
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Sterile Universal 20ml

Containers - Child

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Sterile Universal/Culture Plates
Volume Range

As adult

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Slides

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 at room temperature.

Special instructions for collection

Useful: in patients where bacterial or fungal or acanthamoebic keratitis is suspected. Keratitis, where the cornea is inflamed, is a serious condition which may progress to perforation and blindness if treatment is unsuccessful. Pre-disposing factors include topical corticosteroid use, and contact lens use, or prior ocular disease. 

Collection: These should be collected by an ophthalmic surgeon. Due to the small amount of material collected, sample best inoculated at the bedside so culture plates and slides are available at Princess Alexandra Eye Pavillion for samples coming to the RIE and from the Bacteriology lab at SJH for samples from SJH. If using a slide, mark the slide with a pen circle around the sample, and the patients details as shown above. Innoculate the surface of the agar; if the syringe needle is dug deep into the agar this will delay signs of bacterial growth. 

See document about collection of corneal scrapings.

How to request

Via Trak ("C&S - Tissue" then specify sample site e.g. 'Eye,Rt') or request form.

Availability

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

Anticipated turnaround

Up to 5 days

What happens if the result is positive or abnormal

Telephoned by microbiologist.

General additional information

​If wishing for Acanthamoeba investigation, it needs to go in special transport medium available at PAEP, and it is sent direct to the Glasgow Reference Lab from the requester and not via the laboratory at RIE.