Tissue (Culture & Sensitivity)

Test information: The isolation of organisms known to cause bacterial and fungal infections of tissues and biopsies from deep-seated sites and organs. Where applicable to determine antimicrobial susceptibility results.

Availability: Available locally Monday - Sunday during routine hours: 08:45 - 17:15.
Available out of hours on telephone request.

Turnaround Time:7 Days (Culture)

Specimen Type(s)

• Intra-Operative Specimens (Debridement and Retention or Revision Surgery);
• Products of contraception / termination of pregnancy;
• Prostheses;
• Tissue;
• Tissue Biopsies;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Sterile CE-marked Universal Container;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• Sterile CE-marked Universal Container;

Analytes

• Culture & Sensitivity;
• N/A;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

1 mL

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

• Minimum specimen size will depend on the number of investigations requested.
• For aspirates and radiologically guided biopsies, it is usually only possible to send one sample to microbiology.
• In theatres, multiple (4-5 samples) should be taken using separate instruments for microbiology. An equivalent set of samples should be taken for histology.
• Specimens should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible, ideally within a maximum of 2 hours.
• If transport is delayed store at 2-8 °C.
• The volume of the specimen influences the transport time that is acceptable. Larger pieces of tissue maintain the viability of anaerobes for longer.
• Clinical details must indicate if tissues are taken from joint revision.

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.