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)