Bone and soft tissue for osteomyelitis

Microbiology

Notes

The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals. Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background.

• Patients should be antibiotic-free for at least 7 days before a biopsy is performed
  
• Contact the laboratory before sending and inform us if urgent or routine
  
• Please indicate the patient location (ward) on the request form
  
• If unusual pathogens are suspected (e.g. Leishmania, Mycobacteria, fungi), please specify on the request form
  
• Please send separate samples if histology is required
  
• See also:
  
• Prosthetic joint samples
  
• Tissue and biopsy samples

Sample requirements

Place excised material in a dry, sterile leak proof container. e.g.60 mL widemouth container

DO NOT ADD FORMALIN

Required information

• Length of illness
  
• Any recent relevant surgery
  
• Presence of metalwork
  
• Diabetes and any other co-morbidities
  
• Recent, current and intended antibiotics
  

Storage/transport

Transport to the laboratory immediately. Refrigerate samples if transport is delayed.

Turnaround time

• Microscopy results available on day of receipt
• A preliminary report is issued after 2–4 days. All cultures undergo an extended 5 day incubation for anaerobes.
  
• Final culture results: 5–7 days
• Tests for unusual pathogens will take longer