Post-mortem (PM) samples
Microbiology
Notes
- Post-mortem samples are prone to contamination with post-mortem flora which normally includes faecal organisms such as coliforms, enterococci and anaerobes
- Culture results need to be interpreted with caution
- Tissue samples are preferred to swabs
- If pus is present please send an aspirate
- If unusual pathogens are suspected (e.g. Mycobacteria, fungi), please specify on the request form
- Microscopy is not routinely performed on post-mortem samples
Sample requirements
Place excised material in a dry sterile leak proof container
e.g. 60 mL widemouth container
DO NOT ADD FORMALIN
Clearly label each sample with the site
Standard charcoal transport swab
Clearly label each sample with the site
Required information
- Suspected TB
- Any gross PM finding suggestive of infection
Storage/transport
Transport to the laboratory promptly
Turnaround time
Preliminary culture results: 2 – 4 days
Final culture results: 5 – 7 days
Tests for unusual pathogens will take longer