Aspirate Microbiology

Synonym(s)	Joint Aspirate, Pleural Aspirate, Peritoneal Aspirate, Breast milk, MC&S
Specimen	Sterile aspirate - 2 x 70 mL sterile continers, for cell count: 1 x Lithium Heparin (Green top), 1 x EDTA (Purple top)
Paediatric Specimen	Sealed Arterial Blood Gas Syringe
Add-on conditions	Contact Microbiology to discuss
Test Availability	Mon - Sun, 24 hours
Turnaround Time	Hastings / Central HB / Wairoa 2 - 5 days
Where analysed	Hastings
Department	Microbiology, (06) 878 1308 ext. 2637
Registration Code	ASP
Deletion Code	2124
Useful Information	Aspirates may also be received in blood culture bottles, they are registered on the same laboratory number as the other culture specimens. No additional test codes are required.
Measurement Uncertainty	N/A