Thank you for your continued support and patience following the move of Microbiology services to the Centre for Laboratory Medicine (CfLM).

To help avoid sample rejection and processing delays, please complete the following checks before sending specimens to the laboratory.

1. Use the correct collection device

Please ensure samples are collected using the correct swab or container.

  • Pink-top Copan eSwabs should be used for routine microbiology culture samples.
  • Orange-top Copan eSwabs should be used for specific ear and urogenital investigations.
  • White-top MRSA screening should be collected using the dual-swab MRSA pack.

Using the wrong collection device may result in the sample being rejected as it cannot always be processed through the correct laboratory pathway.

2. Leave the liquid in the tube

⚠️ Do not tip out, discard or empty the liquid from eSwab tubes.

The liquid transport medium is an essential part of the sample and is required for laboratory testing.

Please ensure:

  • The liquid remains in the tube.
  • The cap is securely fastened.
  • The correct swab remains in the tube following collection.

For MRSA screening:

  • The pink swab is used first and discarded.
  • The white swab is used second.
  • The white swab remains in the tube and is sent to the laboratory.

Samples received without the required liquid medium may not be suitable for testing and may be rejected.

3. Package requests correctly

To support rapid processing at the CfLM:

  • Use both compartments of the specimen transport bag.
  • Place the specimen in one compartment.
  • Place the paper request form in the separate document compartment.
  • Fold request forms neatly so that barcodes remain visible and can be scanned easily.

Incorrectly packaged requests can delay specimen registration and processing once they arrive at the laboratory.

Why this matters

Following these simple steps helps us:

  • Avoid rejected samples.
  • Reduce delays in processing.
  • Prevent unnecessary repeat sampling.
  • Improve turnaround times for patients.

We appreciate that these changes represent a significant adjustment for clinical teams and would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and support during the transition.

Attached is a reminder of all the changes as part of the Microbiology Laboratory service move to the CfLM. 

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