Container & Turnaround Additional transport requirements and Investigation Samples tested Sample volume time other comments 5 - 10 ml in Sterile Faeces universal container 3 days 5 - 10 ml in Sterile universal container. See for instructions to Samples may be referred to Public Health Faeces patients on collecting a 2 - 4 days England for further investigation in which case faeces sample. TAT will be extended up to an additional 25 days Samples may be For invasive referred to the Hospital Faeces, Whole parasite amoebiasis, a fresh for Tropical Diseases or segments, 5 - 10 ml in Sterile sample should ‘hot’ 3 days and the London School Sellotape® slide for universal container be transported to the of Hygiene and Tropical pinworm investigation laboratory as soon as Medicine for further possible. investigation 1 2 ml (min 0.5ml) in – Faeces Sterile Universal 3 days See also container Sterile Universal Drain fluid / collection container 5 days Sterile Universal. Bile, synovial (joint) fluid, Always submit as pericardial fluid, much fluid as possible; 5 days peritoneal fluid, pleural never submit swab fluid dipped in fluid.
Investigation Samples tested Container & Sample volume Turnaround time Additional transport requirements and other comments Faeces 5 - 10 ml in Sterile universal container 3 days Faeces 5 - 10 ml in Sterile universal container. See for instructions to patients on collecting a faeces sample. 2 - 4 days Samples may be referred to Public Health England for further investigation in which case TAT will be extended up to an additional 25 days Faeces, Whole parasite or segments, Sellotape® slide for pinworm investigation 5 - 10 ml in Sterile universal container 3 days For invasive amoebiasis, a fresh ‘hot’ sample should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible. Samples may be referred to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for further investigation Faeces 1 – 2 ml (min 0.5ml) in Sterile Universal container 3 days See also Drain fluid / collection Sterile Universal container 5 days Bile, synovial (joint) fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid Sterile Universal. Always submit as much fluid as possible; never submit swab dipped in fluid. 5 days