A Microbiology on-call service is provided to cover URGENT SAMPLES ONLY at all other times. The microbiology Laboratory operates an on call service for CSF samples plus pus from deep seated infection, and body fluids such as pleural or ascitic fluids (but excluding urine).   Any other request for urgent work will require approval from the consultant Microbiologist.

The Microbiology BMS on call MUST be contacted by the Switchboard Operator when ANY specimen requires urgent microbiological analysis out of normal working hours.

 It is the responsibility of the doctor initiating the request to ensure that all urgent and important samples are expected by the relevant Laboratory.

 Example: For urgent cerebrospinal fluid analysis: If a CSF sample requires analysis out of normal working hours, the Doctor initiating the request MUST contact the Microbiology BMS on call via the switchboard (Dial 0). Additionally the Doctor MUST also inform the Clinical Biochemistry BMS via Bleep 934.

 **Please do not put CSF samples in the Pneumatic Tube System (PTS/POD)**

Web Page 10 last updated 4th March 2019