Investigation Name:TB Culture

Pathology Laboratory:Microbiology Ext 88257

Requestable Seperately?No

Tests in Profile:AFB Stain and TB culture

Expected Turnaround Time:6 weeks (culture) / AFB stain 48hrs

Sample Type:

Complex Reference Range:As a TB culture request can arise from several possible specimen types, please contact Laboratory if you have any queries regarding this request. If an urgent AFB stain is required please indicate clearly on form. AFB stains are routinely looked at daily Monday to Friday.

Collection Conditions / Other Information:There are several sample types for TB culture, the commonest being sputum and bronchial lavage (both collected in sterile universals). Please indicate clearly on request that TB culture is required. If there is likely to be a delay in transport please store at 2 to 8 degress. For TB culture from urine 3 separate early morning urines are required (large brown EMU pots available from Microbiology reception) Positive samples are referred to Birmingham Heartlands for confirmation.

Referred to Another Laboratory?No