Ear, Eye, Nose and Mouth (Microscopy Culture & Sensitivity)

Test information: To identify the causative pathogen in ears, eyes, nose and mouth specimens. Where applicable to determine antimicrobial susceptibility results.

NICE Guidelines Otitis externa

Availability:Available locally Monday - Sunday during routine hours: 08:45 - 17:15.

Turnaround Time: 48 hours

Related Tests:

• Corneal Scrapings
• Whooping Cough (Culture)

Specimen Type(s)

• Amniotic Fluid;
• Contact lens fluid;
• Eye swab;
• Mouth Swab;
• Nasal Swab;
• Skin Scrapings;
• Vitreous Fluid;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• DermaPak;
• Sterile CE-marked Charcoal swab in Transport medium;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• N/A;

Analytes

• Microscopy Culture & Sensitivity;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

N/A

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

• Sample before antimicrobial therapy where possible.
• If possible mouth swabs should be taken in the morning under fasting conditions.
• Prior to mouth swab sampling it is advised that patients should not eat or drink, brush their teeth or use any mouth rinse of disinfectant within 2 hours.
• Specimens should be transported to the laboratory without delay during normal working hours.
• If transport is delayed store at 2-8 °C.
• The swab must arrive in the laboratory within 48 hours of being taken.

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Susceptibility Testing: Each susceptibility category is defined by breakpoints specific for each species and agent. The breakpoints are minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and describe the amount of agent required to inhibit the growth of the organism.

The definitions of (S),(I), and (R) emphasize the close relationship between the susceptibility of the organism and the exposure of the organism at the site of infection.

Susceptible (S): High likelihood of therapeutic success with standard dosing.
Susceptible Increased Exposure (I): High likelihood of therapeutic success with increased dosing.
Resistant (R): High likelihood of therapeutic failure.

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

Useful Links:

• Adult Antimicrobial Guide
• Paediatric Antimicrobial Guide
• Primary Care Antibiotic Guide

If you have any queries about a test or results interpretation please contact us.