Bacteriology & Mycology
Our experienced Microbiology scientists use a variety of specialised non-specific, selective and enrichment culture medium and atmospheric temperature and conditions such as aerobic, 5% carbon dioxide, anaerobic and microaerophillic to isolate bacteria and fungi from clinical samples. Identification is carried out using a MALDI-tof. Vitek 2 technology is used to provide antimicrobial identification. We also participate in a quality assurance scheme (VETQAS) to ensure the ongoing quality of our results.
We will provide antimicrobial sensitivity results as a minimum inhibitory concentration value (MIC) where appropriate. The quantitative MIC value in µg/ml is the minimum concentration of the antimicrobial required to inhibit growth of an organism, thus providing the clinician with an additional tool in choosing the antimicrobial most likely to achieve therapeutic success. In addition we will also provide an interpretation of the MIC value (sensitive, intermediate or resistant). For a limited number of more fastidious isolates MIC testing may not be possible in this case we will carry out a disc diffusion test to provide a qualitative result.
We will provide antimicrobial sensitivity results as a minimum inhibitory concentration value (MIC) where appropriate. The quantitative MIC value in µg/ml is the minimum concentration of the antimicrobial required to inhibit growth of an organism, thus providing the clinician with an additional tool in choosing the antimicrobial most likely to achieve therapeutic success. In addition we will also provide an interpretation of the MIC value (sensitive, intermediate or resistant). For a limited number of more fastidious isolates MIC testing may not be possible in this case we will carry out a disc diffusion test to provide a qualitative result.
Maldi-tof
MALDI-tof ID - Please submit isolates on slopes where possible, charcoal/gel swabs can also be used. Do NOT post plates.
Please only submit Category level 2 organisms, we cannot accept suspected level 3 or 4 organisms.
Maldi-tof
MALDI-tof ID - Please submit isolates on slopes where possible, charcoal/gel swabs can also be used. Do NOT post plates.
Please only submit Category level 2 organisms, we cannot accept suspected level 3 or 4 organisms.
Bacterial Cultures
*referral test
Bacterial Cultures |
Sample Type |
Information |
Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Aerobic & Anaerobic Culture & Sensitivity |
Swab/Tissue/Fluid |
Aerobic culture & Anaerobic culture and Antibiotic sensitivities by MIC (for significant isolate(s)). |
2-5 working days |
Aerobic Culture & Sensitivity |
Swab/Wash/Milk |
Aerobic culture & Antibiotic sensitivities by MIC (for significant isolate(s)). |
2-5 working days |
Blood Culture |
Blood/ Joint Fluid |
Extended enrichment culture for Aerobic & Anaerobic bacteria & Antibiotic sensitivities by MIC (for significant isolate(s)). Sample must be submitted in a blood culture bottle. |
Up to 12 working days |
Dermatophilus congolensis (Culture) |
Scab |
Extended culture for Dermatophilus |
5 working days |
Urine Culture & Sensitivity |
Urine 10mL |
Aerobic culture & Antibiotic sensitivities by MIC (for significant isolate(s)) Please specify capture method on submission form. |
2-4 working days |
Mycology Tests
Mycology Tests |
Sample |
Information |
Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Cryptococcus Antigen |
200µL Serum/CSF |
Qualitative lateral flow test. Positive samples can be sent to a reference lab for quantification at an additional cost. |
1 working day |
Fungal Culture (nondermatophytes) |
Swab/Skin/Nail/Tissue/Fluid |
Selective culture for non-dermatophytes. Full identification of isolates and sensitivity testing available at an additional cost. |
5 working days |
Ringworm Culture (Dermatophytes) |
Hair pluck |
Selective culture for Ringworm. |
14 days |