The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Respiratory Culture

Respiratory Culture

Investigation of lower respiratory tract bacterial infections including pneumonia. Manual bacterial culture.

Tube Sputum potWhite universal
ID 3615
Availability Mon- Sun 8.30 - 5pm
Additional Information The quality of the result for sputum culture is dependent on the quality of the sample as contamination from upper respiratory tract can affect the result.
Sputum should be sent in collection pots that can be adequately sealed. Lids with suction tubes attached should not be used as samples will leak in transit and may be rejected.
Ideally samples should be sent before antimicrobial therapy. If this is not possible this must be stated on the request form.
Turn Around 7 days
Send to LGI Microbiology Department
Collection Con Sputum can be obtained from the lower respiratory tract by deep coughing, physiotherapy, saline induction or other clinically indicated methods such as bronchoscopy. Saliva and post-nasal secretions are not appropriate.
IP Routine TAT 7 days
GP Routine TAT 7 days