Microbiology specimens tested on-call

17:00hrs to 24:00hrs

• CSF
• Throat swabs, blood cultures skin scrapings from suspected meningococcal cases.
• Meningococcal PCR
• Blood cultures
• Tissues
• Aspirates from deep sites.
• Urine
• Ophthalmology specimens from theatre.
• Sputum from ICU/NICU.
• RSV if requested by Consultant Paediatrician
• HepB antibody, HBs Ag, HIV and HepC antibody - in inoculation injuries.
• Urgent HBsAg and HepC antibody – from Dialysis unit.
• All Hep C PCR’s are labeled, booked-in, centrifuged and frozen -  pre midnight only
• VZV IgG – contact of chickenpox in pregnancy and if requested by a consultant
• C. difficile testing, if requested by Consultant Microbiologist.
• MRSA screens from Orthopaedic wards that have been identified as “Bed Priority”
• Urgent AAFB stains on various specimen types if requested by Consultant Microbiologist.
• Legionella Urinary Antigen if requested by a consultant.
• Molecular detection of Influenza A, Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and Influenza B (as per agreed seasonal requirements)

Post-midnight

• CSF
• Throat swabs, blood cultures skin scrapings from suspected meningococcal cases.
• Blood cultures
• Aspirates from deep sites.
• Ophthalmology specimens from theatre
• HepB antibody, HBsAg, HIV and HepC antibody - in inoculation injuries
• Urgent HBsAg and HepC antibody – from Dialysis unit.
• Molecular detection of Infleunza A, Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and Influenza B (as per agreed seasonal requirements)