Immunoglobulin and serum protein electrophoresis requesting is changing on 8 July 2026. Clinicians can now request immunoglobulins only or immunoglobulins and electrophoresis. This change will enable doctors to more effectively request the tests that are clinically indicated and streamline laboratory testing, delivering improved turnaround times for these tests. This change will apply to Epsom & St Helier Hospitals and their associated GPs initially, and will then be rolled out to all service users in south west London.
Pernasal Swab
| Category | Bacteriology Medical Microbiology |
|---|---|
| Turnaround time | TAT - Culture results are available from 7 days |
Collection conditions
Sterile Liquid Amies Medium with fine flexible twisted wire shaft rayon bud swab for nasopharyngeal specimens. Sample the posterior nasopharynx using a nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) or pernasal swab (PNS). The PNS needs to be gently pushed along the floor of the nasal cavity towards the posterior wall of the nasopharynx as this is where the B. pertussis bacteria are most likely to be found. After sampling, place the PNS for culture in transport media and transfer it without delay to the laboratory for processing. Sampling of nasopharyngeal secretions in patients with whooping cough may precipitate a paroxysm of coughing and cause obstruction of the airways. Resuscitation equipment must be available if whooping cough is suspected. The specimen collector should avoid exposure to direct coughs from the patient
Additional information
Timing the specimen collection is important. Sensitivity decreases with patient age and also decreases with time after onset and is highly dependent on specimen quality. Sensitivity decreases substantially, from approximately 60% within 1 week of symptom onset to culture to 10% or less after 4 weeks. This means it is vital to have accurate details about the onset of symptoms on the patient request form.
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