○ Specimens that have not been neutralized and that arrive at the laboratory greater than 6 hours after collection will not be processed.
○ Sterile container
○ Insert a Levin tube in the esophagus to reach the stomach, about 55cm from the mouth. Aspirate gastric content with a syringe. Collect at least 5mL of gastric lavage in a sterile container, ideally early in the morning before food and water intake.
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ Microscopy: 1 day ○ Culture: Up to 49 days; a positive culture is reported within 24h of growth
416-586-4800 extension 4568
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.
○ Specimens should be stored at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) after collection if transport is delayed more than one hour. Transport to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP after collection
○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing