Acanthamoeba PCR * 1. Corneal Scrapings in sterile universal container. Specimen Type or 2. Aqueous tap of ocular in sterile universal container. Sample Sterile universal container. Container Sample Corneal scrapings and intraocular fluids will be collected by an ophthalmic collection/ surgeon: sterile needles may be used to aspirate or scrape material, and sterile scalpel blades to scrape material. preparation As much corneal scraping as possible. Volume/Quantity A minimum volume of 1ml is required for intraocular fluids and pus exudates. Ensure sterile universal containers are and closed correctly. Place in a sealed plastic specimen bag with request form in the pouch, ready for Safety transport to the laboratory. Requirements Ensure contact lens containers are leak-proof and closed correctly. Place in a sealed plastic specimen bag with request form in the pouch, ready for transport to the laboratory. Time Between Transport as soon as possible, hold at ambient temperature. Collection and Processing Sample Quality N/A Special N/A Requirements Turnaround 1 Month Times Comments Referred to external laboratory for PCR. Bartholins cyst fluid Specimen Type Bartholins cyst fluid Sample Sterile universal container Container Sample 1. Disinfect skin with chlorhexidine preparation. collection/ 2. Using a sterile needle and syringe, aspirate fluid from ducts. Transfer sample into sterile universal container. preparation 3. Volume/Quantity 5 ml volume (minimum >1ml) Safety Do not submit sample in needle and syringe. Requirements Time Between Transfer to the laboratory as quickly as possible, preferably within a few Collection and hours of the sample been taken. Processing If delivery to the laboratory is delayed, specimens should be refrigerated. The volume of the specimen influences the transport time that is acceptable. Larger volumes of purulent material maintain the viability of anaerobes for a Sample Quality longer period of time. The recovery of anaerobes is compromised if the transport time exceeds 3 hours.
Acanthamoeba PCR * Specimen Type 1. Corneal Scrapings in sterile universal container. or 2. Aqueous tap of ocular in sterile universal container. Sample Container Sterile universal container. Sample collection/ preparation Corneal scrapings and intraocular fluids will be collected by an ophthalmic surgeon: sterile needles may be used to aspirate or scrape material, and sterile scalpel blades to scrape material. Volume/Quantity As much corneal scraping as possible. A minimum volume of 1ml is required for intraocular fluids and pus exudates. Safety Requirements Ensure sterile universal containers are and closed correctly. Place in a sealed plastic specimen bag with request form in the pouch, ready for transport to the laboratory. Ensure contact lens containers are leak-proof and closed correctly. Place in a sealed plastic specimen bag with request form in the pouch, ready for transport to the laboratory. Time Between Collection and Processing Transport as soon as possible, hold at ambient temperature. Sample Quality N/A Special Requirements N/A Turnaround Times 1 Month Comments Referred to external laboratory for PCR. Bartholins cyst fluid Specimen Type Bartholins cyst fluid Sample Container Sterile universal container Sample collection/ preparation 1. Disinfect skin with chlorhexidine preparation. 2. Using a sterile needle and syringe, aspirate fluid from ducts. 3. Transfer sample into sterile universal container. Volume/Quantity 5 ml volume (minimum >1ml) Safety Requirements Do not submit sample in needle and syringe. Time Between Collection and Processing Transfer to the laboratory as quickly as possible, preferably within a few hours of the sample been taken. If delivery to the laboratory is delayed, specimens should be refrigerated. Sample Quality The volume of the specimen influences the transport time that is acceptable. Larger volumes of purulent material maintain the viability of anaerobes for a longer period of time. The recovery of anaerobes is compromised if the transport time exceeds 3 hours.
PATH-GEN-PSCM%20Pathology%20Users%20Handbook.docx