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South West London Pathology > Tests > Cough Swab

Cough Swab

Category Bacteriology Medical Microbiology
Reporting frequency TAT - Positive results by microscopy or culture are telephoned, cultures are incubated for 42 days

Collection conditions

Samples should be collected early in the morning (before breakfast) on 3 consecutive days and delivered to the lab ASAP to avoid acid deteroration of the sample. Minimum 1ml sputum, for bronchial specimens the volumes will vary widely depending on the procedure.

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