Tissue and biopsy sample microscopy & culture

Contact the laboratory before sending and inform us if urgent or routine.

• The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals. Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background.
• Please indicate the patient location (ward) on the request form
• If unusual pathogens are suspected (e.g. Leishmania, Mycobacteria, fungi), please specify on the request form
• Please send separate samples if histology is required
• See also:
  • Bone and soft tissue for osteomyelitis
  • Gastric biopsy for Helicobacter
  • Post mortem tissue
  • Prosthetic joint samples

Sample requirements

Place excised material in a dry, sterile leak proof container

e.g. 60 mL widemouth container

DO NOT ADD FORMALIN

Required information

• Relevant clinical details
• Travel history (if relevant)
• Recent, current and intended antibiotics

Storage/transport

Transport immediately to the laboratory. Refrigerate samples if transport is delayed.

Turnaround time

Microscopy results available on day of receipt

A preliminary report is issued after 2 - 4 days. All cultures undergo an extended 5 day incubation for anaerobes.

Final culture results: 5 – 7 days

Tests for unusual pathogens will take longer