○Blood may contain antimicrobials which can delay or inhibit the growth of mycobacteria.
○ SPS in blood culture bottles may delay the growth of some Mycobacteria
○ Indicated when there is a suspicion of disseminated infection ( in immunocompromised patients) or a suspicion of M. chimera infection following open-chest heart surgery
○ 10.0mL Whole blood collected in a Sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS) tube (yellow top tube) or
○ 10.0mL Whole blood collected in a Heparin tube (green top tube)
Whole blood:
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 10.0 mL of blood
Blood specimens should be stored and transported at room temperature (20-25C)
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
○ Blood collected in EDTA tubes, coagulated blood, blood in blood culture medium, serum, or plasma are unacceptable specimens.
Public Health Ontario Laboratory (PHOL)
STAT testing is not available.
○ Concentrated Smear TAT: Up to 2 calendar days from receipt at Public Health Ontario Laboratory's (PHOL) site
○ Culture TAT: Up to 42 calendar days for a negative culture result upon receipt at PHOL; a positive culture is reported within 24 of growth
416-586-4800 extension 4432
No
○ Label specimen container and place specimens in biohazard bag and seal
○ Transport specimens to the UHN/SHS Microbiology Laboratory ASAP at room temperature (20-25˚C)
○ UHN/SHS Microbiology Laboratory will refer specimen to Public Health Ontario Laboratory (PHOL) for testing