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Reporting Results (Microbiology)

Turnaround Time (TAT)

TYPE OF SAMPLE TAT
Bacteriology Tests :
Blood C&S
  • Negative culture result: 6 days from the date sample is received
  • Positive culture result: 3 – 8 days from the date sample is received (depends on time of growth detection by the Bactec® system)
Sputum C&S 3 – 6 days from the date sample is received
Urine C&S 3 – 6 days from the date sample is received
Urine FEME 2 hours (STAT) / 1 day (routine) from the date sample is received
Ear C&S 3 – 6 days from the date sample is received
Conjunctival (eye) swab C&S 3 – 6 days from the date sample is received
Nasal swab for MRSA screening 3 – 6 days from the date sample is received
Pus (wound) swab C&S 3 – 6 days from the date sample is received
Sterile Body Fluids (Pericardial, synovial, intraocular fluid, peritoneal) C&S 3 – 7 days from the date sample is received
TYPE OF SAMPLE TAT
Stool C&S 6 days from the date sample is received
Throat swab C&S 3 days from the date sample is received
Aspirates from abscesses or deep wound 3 – 7 days from the date sample is received
Tissue & Biopsy C&S 3 – 7 days from the date sample is received
Stool for ova and cyst (wet mount) 1 day from the date sample is received
High Vaginal swab 3 – 6 days from the date sample is received
Mycobacteriology Test :
Sputum for AFB detection 1 day from the date sample is received
Sterile body fluid for (other than CSF) AFB detection 1 day from the date sample is received
Serology Test :
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) 7 days from the date sample is received
Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) 7 days from the date sample is received
Human immunodeficiency virus antigen/antibody (HIV Ag/Ab) 7 days from the date sample is received
Hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) 7 days from the date sample is received
RPR anti-nontreponemal screening for syphilis 1 – 3 days from the date sample is received
Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) anti Treponema confirmation 3 days from the date sample is received
Dengue IgM/IgG 1 hour from the date sample is received
Anti –streptolysin ‘O’ test (ASOT) 2 days from the date sample is received
Urgent Serology Test 1 day from the date sample is received

Reference: Guideline for Selection, Collection and Management of Microbiological Specimens (Fourth Edition 2014), Department of Medical & Parasitology School of Medical Sciences Health Campus)

 

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