TB and mycobacterial culture

Sputum specimens: Two to three samples of ≥5mL should be collected approximately 8 to 24 hours apart with at least one from early morning
Bronchoalveolar lavage/bronchial washings: Minimum sample size is preferably 5mL
Gastric washings: Collect minimum volume of 5mL samples early in the morning (before breakfast) on 3 consecutive days
Sterile site body fluids: Collect aseptically as much sample as possible into a CE Marked leak proof container in a sealed plastic bag
Urine specimens: Three consecutive EMU samples are required for culture. Minimum volume for each sample is approx. 100 mL
Skin, bone, and tissue including post mortem specimens: Specimens should be collected aseptically and placed in a CE Marked leak proof container without preservatives in a sealed plastic bag, and sterile distilled water added to prevent desiccation.
Pus samples: Should be collected aseptically, and the largest practical sample submitted in CE marked leak-proof container in a sealed plastic bag
Bone marrow and blood: Blood and bone marrow samples are collected using specific TB culture bottles obtained from Pathology Reception

• Samples may be referred to the Mycobacteria Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, for further investigation.
• Urgent Auramine stain samples may be order separate in out of hours.