URINE See Urine Midstream Three consecutive days early morning specimens. May be refrigerated and brought to the laboratory together.
SPUTUM 1. Collect sputum on 3 consecutive days, one early morning sputum specimen by deep coughing. 2. If collected at home, patient may keep specimens in refrigerator until all three have been collected. 3. Ideally 3-5 mL of sputum is required (not saliva), but 1 mL of purulent sputum will be accepted by the referral laboratory
GASTRIC WASHINGS 1. Collect early in the morning before patient has eaten and while they are still in bed. 2. Introduce a nasogastric tube orally or nasally into the stomach. 3. Perform lavage with 25 - 50 mL of chilled, sterile, distilled water. 4. Recover sample and place it in a leak proof, sterile container. 5. Before removing the tube, release suction and clamp it.
LEPROSY SPLIT SKIN SMEAR A split skin smear of tissue from the ear lobe. Refer to Microbiology for sendaway and inform Microbiology Director, Consultant or Registrar
MYCOBATERIUM ULCERANS A dry swab or a gel swab will be accepted for Mycobacterium ulcerans requests only.
GENERAL NOTES
1. Urgent ZN Stains can be performed if necessary but will require 30 minutes of examination by Mater laboratory staff.
INTERPRETATION: A negative ZN stain does not exclude a positive culture.
The diagnosis of Leprosy is initially clinical and based on patient history and findings such as :- Hypopigmented skin lesions, anaesthetic areas of skin, unilateral nerve enlargement, facial features etc. Laboratory confirmation may be by: 1. Histology of a biopsy of abnormal skin or nerve tissue. 2. A split skin smear of tissue from the ear lobe.
