Container & Turnaround Additional transport requirements and Investigation Samples tested Sample volume time other comments Aseptically collected pus and/or abscess mL in Sterile ≥1 (Up to) 7 days aspirate/drain universal container Note: The laboratory is not See 5 ml GEL SST Serum 1 day UKAS accredited for (Rust Top) for further information this test. Amies transport Swab 3 days medium 2 mls Sterile universal container (not sputum trap container) Bronchial/tracheal fluid 3 days 1 2 ml (min 0.5ml) in – Sterile Universal container See also Faeces 3 days 3 days for routine culture, Transport to the Patient preparation: 5-7 days if laboratory on the day external genitalia should 2 mls Sterile universal Mycoplasma Semen sample of collection or store be washed with soap container and/or overnight at room and water before Ureaplasma temperature sample collection. cultures are requested
Investigation Samples tested Container & Sample volume Turnaround time Additional transport requirements and other comments Aseptically collected pus and/or abscess aspirate/drain ≥1 mL in Sterile universal container (Up to) 7 days Serum 5 ml GEL SST (Rust Top) 1 day Note: The laboratory is not UKAS accredited for this test. See for further information Swab Amies transport medium 3 days Bronchial/tracheal fluid 2 mls Sterile universal container (not sputum trap container) 3 days Faeces 1 – 2 ml (min 0.5ml) in Sterile Universal container 3 days See also Semen sample 2 mls Sterile universal container 3 days for routine culture, 5-7 days if Mycoplasma and/or Ureaplasma cultures are requested Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection or store overnight at room temperature Patient preparation: external genitalia should be washed with soap and water before sample collection.