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Collection of Fluids for Microbiological Investigation (last updated 5 Jan 2012)

NOTE: any collection method requiring an invasive technique should be performed by a physician or a trained health care worker.

Body Fluids

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SiteContainerMethod
CSF Uni whiteUNI (white)Clean the puncture site with antiseptic solution and alcohol before needle insertion to prevent introduction of infection.  Insert a needle with stylet at the L3-L4, L4-L5, or L5-S1 interspace.  When the subarachnoid space is reached, remove the stylet and spinal fluid will appear in the needle hub.  Slowly drain the CSF into the bottles.  Three bottles are generally required for microbiology.
URINE- CSU/MSUBoric Red

Adults:

BORIC (red)

Fill to line.

MSU:

Male -Ask the patient to retract the prepuce and clean the skin surrounding the urethral meatus with soap and water, saline or a solution that does not contain a disinfectant.  Ask the patient to direct the first and last part of the stream into a toilet or urinal and to collect the middle part of the stream into the clean disposable carton provided for this purpose.  Transfer the specimen into a sterile container avoiding any contamination of the specimen.

Female- Clean the urethral meatus with soap and water. saline or a solution that does not contain a disinfectant.  Clean from front to back.  Ask the patient to micturate into a bedpan or toilet.  Place a clean disposable cup provided for this purpose.  Transfer the specimen into a sterile container avoiding any contamination of the specimen.

CSU: See Catheter Urine Policy

The sample must be taken from the 'rubber' sleeve on the catheter tubing and not from the urine bag.  The system should not be disconnected to take the sample.  Wipe the rubber sleeve, vigorously, with an alcohol swab and allow to dry.  Using a sterile needle and syringe, withdraw the urine from the sleeve and transfer to the sterile container.

URINE - PaediatricsUni white

Paediatrics in cases of small volume:

UNI (white)

URINE - TERMINAL SPECIMENUni whiteUNI (white)Contact Microbiology laboratory before taking specimens for Schistosomiasis.
URINE - Antigens(Legionella and Pneumococcal)As MSU
URINE FOR AAFB Transport pack - 3x 250mLSee  handout sheet.
BLOOD CULTURESBlood culture bottlesSee Blood Culture handout sheet.
PLASMA Purple topEDTA (purple)This is used for all PCR tests eg. Hepatitis C RNA qualitative or quantitative tests.
SERUM Red topPLAIN CLOT (red)This is used for most antibody and antigen tests and also for antibiotic levels.
STERILE BODY FLUIDS (Excluding CSF, urine and blood)Uni whiteUNI (white)Clean the needle puncture site with alcohol to prevent introduction of infection.  The physician will aseptically perform percutaneous aspiration to obtain pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, or synovial fluids. 
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