Fluid like material obtained from sterile sites or from drains (e.g. abdominal, thoracic, bile or other wound drains) should be collected in a sterile universal container observing an aseptic technique when sampling.
Container / Tube
White top universal.
Collection Conditions
It is not advisable to sample fluid from the bag or drain reservoir. Instead a sample should be obtained from the drain using rubber ports if available.
Observe aseptic sampling technique. Transport the sample to the laboratory as quickly as possible.
Note: The recovery of anaerobes is compromised if the transport time exceeds 3 hours. Before Antibiotics if possible.
Availability
Mon – Sun, 8:30am – 5:00pm. Acute samples of sterile fluid can be cultured and a microscopy performed out of hours on request.
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
Turnaround Time
8 days. Fluid Microscopy including crystals will be available within 24 hours.
Additional Information
Prosthetic joints and other specific fluid types may take >8 days due to extended culture. Please state fluid type and collection conditions clearly on all requests.
ID
3629