Samples should be collected in sterile yellow lid containers unless otherwise specified below

• Aspirate
• Blood (Whole)/ Bone Marrow - Before collecting, obtain special collection bottle - BD Bacto Myco/F Lytic bottle - by contacting Bacteriology on ext 55739. Do NOT transport via pneumatic tube system. Forward at room temperature in carrier provided by the laboratory.
• Bronchial Lavages/Washings
• Fluids including CSFs
• Faeces – brown topped container
• Sputum
• Tissue
• Urine

Accurate detection of mycobacteria requires optimal sample volume collection – where possible, as much sample as can be safely collected (up to 10mL) should be obtained.

• Blood/Bone Marrow
  Minimum volume: 0.5 to 1 mL
  Preferred volume: 3 to 5 mL (maximum 5 mL)
• Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Bronchial Washing, Gastric Aspirate, Pleural Fluid, Sputum
  Minimum volume: 0.5 to 1 mL
  Preferred volume: 5 mL
• Tissue/Bone Biopsy
  Minimum size: 1 to 5 mm
  Preferred size: 3 cm³ or as much tissue as possible
• Lymph Node Aspirate/Joint Fluid Aspirate
  Minimum volume: 1 mL
  Preferred volume: 3 mL
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
  Minimum volume: 1 mL
  Preferred volume: 6 to 10 mL, depending on age and as much as can be safely collected
• Urine
  Collect 3 early morning first-void samples
  Submit the entire void for each sample.

LAB NOTES: 
Forward all samples and add-on requests to Bacteriology to organise send away to VIDRL.

Gastric Aspirates MUST be received and neutralised in the laboratory within 4 hours of collection. Please contact Bacteriology Laboratory ext 55739 if neutralisation agent is required 

VIDRL
The Peter Doherty Institute
792 Elizabeth St
Melbourne VIC 3000