Laboratory results
All positive Blood cultures, CSFs, other sterile fluids and clinically important isolates are communicated promptly by the Consultant Microbiologist to the relevant clinical team, the ward sister, or the most senior person available who is dealing with the patient. Results from reference laboratories will be telephoned to the requesting wards, as deemed necessary by the consultant microbiologist. Provisional results may be obtained by telephone if available. Final results from all samples are available on Fusion or via GP links.
Reference ranges
The reference ranges of the following tests are given below.
- Aspergillus precipitins
- Avian precipitins
For Gentamicin and Vancomycin reference ranges click here
| Test | Normal range | Units |
| Aspergillus precipitins | 0-40 | mg/L |
| Avian Precipitins | 0-40 | mg/L |
| Budgie feathers | 0-40 | mg/L |
| Budgie Droppings | 0-40 | mg/L |
| Pigeon serum | 0-40 | mg/L |
| Pigeon feathers | 0-40 | mg/L |
| Pigeon droppings | 0-40 | mg/L |
Turnaround Time
The turnaround time (TAT) for specific tests/specimen types is calculated from the date of receipt to the date of authorisation. Targets for each request type are set by the laboratory for the number of calendar days within which 90% of reports are issued. General bacteriology specimens are processed 7 days a week (including follow up work). Serology, parasitology and mycology requests are processed Monday to Friday. The turnaround times achieved for specific requests are shown in the table below.
| Specimen/Request type | TAT* | Specimen/Request type | TAT* |
| MRSA | 1 | HIV serology | 2 |
| Urine Microscopy | 0 | Hepatitis serology (A,B,C) | 3 |
| Urine Culture | 2 | Syphilis | 1 |
| Swabs/Fluids | 3 | Rubella serology | 2 |
| Sputum | 3 | VZ/Measles/Mumps IgG | 3 |
| Faeces Culture | 3 | Toxoplasma serology | 3 |
| Norovirus | 1 | CMV serology | 3 |
| Rota/Adenovirus | 1 | EBV (EBNA) | 3 |
| CDT | 1 | ASO titre | 1 |
| OCP | 4 | Gent/Vanc Assay | 1 |
| Blood culture | 6 | Legionella/Pneumo Urine Ag | 0 |
| Chlamydia/GC (molecular) | 3 | Chlamydia IF | 1 |
| GC culture (Sexual Health) | 3 | HIV viral loads | 6 |
| CSF culture | 2 | Most common/vital referred tests | |
| Mycology | 35 | Pneumocystis PCR | 7 |
| TB culture | 60 | Meningo/Pneumococcal PCR | 10 |
| Resistant Org. Screen (pre-op) | 3 | Respiratory PCR | 6 |
| Antenatal infectious disease screen | 0 | Aspergillus precipitins | 15 |
| Herpes PCR | 11 | ||
| Syphilis confirmation | 11 | ||
| HCV viral load | 14 | ||
| Functional antibodies | 21 |
*Figures refer to turnaround times achieved April – Dec 2016.