Hours of Service

Routine & STAT Services: Daily, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Limited STAT Services: Daily, 24 hours

Routine Services

• Bacteriology: Specimens requesting bacterial cultures are processed daily during regular service hours.
• Mycobacteriology: Respiratory specimens are processed daily. All other specimens are processed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Acid fast stains are performed on all specimens except blood. Specimens received by 9am will be processed that day.
• Parasitology: Routine procedures on stools are performed Monday through Friday. Specimens should be placed in the parasitology collection kit available on the wards or from Central Distribution. Malaria smears are processed and read daily.
• Mycology: Specimens requesting fungal cultures will be processed daily during regular service hours.
• Serology: Cryptococcal antigens on spinal fluid, syphilis serology, and rubella screens are performed daily, during regular service hours. All other tests are batched. Call Microbiology 714-456-5439 for tthe testingschedule.
• Molecular Microbiology: Not all tests are performed daily. Call microbiology, 714-456-5439 for the testing schedule.

STAT Services

Available Daily, 24 hours

• Bacterial Antigen Assay for Group A Streptococcus, Throat
• Cryptococcal Antigen, Spinal Fluid
• Enterovirus, CSF, by PCR
• Herpes Simplex VirusType 1 and Type 2 by PCR, CSF
• Gram stain
• Group B Streptococcus, vagino/anorectal, by PCR
• HIV Type 1 and Type 2 Antibodies/HIV 1 P24 Antigen Screen (limited to women in labor who have delivered without previous prenatal care, newborns of mothers who decline testing, patients in emergency department, referral clients where patient needs immediate medical intervention, samples submitted through Occupational Health for employees exposed to body fluids)
•  COVID-19/Flu A&B/RSV STAT testing is only available to UCI ER and UCI In-patient locations.
• Legionella Pneumophila Antigen, Urine
• Malaria, EIA
• Streptococcus pneumoniae Antigen, CSF and Urine
• Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), by PCR, Lesions (limited to only to the following patient groups: Women in labor or women who delivered without previous pre-natal care and newborns.

General Guidelines – Specimen Collection

1. Standard precautions and guidelines must be followed.
2. Collect specimens prior to administering antimicrobial agents, whenever possible.
3. Collect an adequate amount of specimen to decrease the chance of false-negative results.
4. Collect the specimen with as little contamination as possible to ensure that the sample will be representative of the infected site.
5. If the specimen is collected through intact skin, cleanse the skin with ChloraPrep or Betadine.
6. Submit specimens in sturdy, sterile leak proof screw-cap containers with lids that do not create an aerosol when opened. When collecting specimen with a swab, use the Culture Swab™. Place swab securely back into the container. Clearly label the specimen container with the patient’s name, identification number, date and time of collection. UNLABELED OR MISLABELED SPECIMENS ARE UNACCEPTABLE AND WILL NOT BE PROCESSED. Please refer to the test directory for further guidelines on microbiology collection containers.
7. ALL SPECIMENS MUST HAVE SOURCE AND/OR SPECIFIC SITE INDICATED. Specimens without source specified will result in processing delays and/or improper testing.
8. Place specimen into a sealable plastic bag with a separate pouch for the transmittal.
9. Provide clinical diagnosis so that proper isolation and identification methods are used.

General Guidelines – Specimen Transport

1. Transport all specimens to the laboratory promptly.
2. Refrigerate specimen at 2-8° C if there is a delay in delivery, with the following exceptions: Hold at room temperature*:
   1. Blood cultures
   2. Anaerobic cultures
   3. Specimens for Trichomonas vaginalis and Neisseria species.
   4. Cerebrospinal fluid
   5. Stool specimens for parasitology exam must be mixed with preservative and held at room temperature.

Consequences of poorly collected and/or poorly transported specimens include the failure to isolate the causative microorganism and the recovery of contaminants or normal microbial flora which may lead to improper treatment of the patient.

Special Collection Instructions

Blood Cultures

• Two separate venipunctures, to collect two sets of blood cultures, each from a different site prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy are recommended.
• Blood culture bottles are available on the ward or from Central Distribution.
• Clean the top of each bottle with an alcohol prep before and after inoculation.
• For adults: Draw 20 mL of blood per venipuncture and inoculate 10 mL into each bottle of the blood culture set: BACTEC PLUS (aerobic/F) and BACTEC LYTIC (anaerobic/F).
• Do not introduce air into the bottles.
• Do not change needles between collection of blood and inoculation of bottles.
• Indicate if fastidious organisms are suspected. Special media and/or extended incubation may be required. Contact Microbiology at 714-456-5439.
• If fungemia or mycobacteria are suspected, collect 3-5 mL of blood into BD BACTEC Myco/F Lytic Culture Vials for adults.  For pediatrics: collect a minimum of 1.0 mL into BD BACTEC Myco/F Lytic Culture Vial.
• Transport immediately to the laboratory.

Mycobacteria

• Specimens must arrive at the laboratory by 9a.m. for processing that day.
• All specimens except blood are processed for smear and culture.
• Smears on respiratory specimens are reported within 24 hours of receipt.

Mycology

• Specimens must be delivered promptly to the laboratory.
• Delay allows for the overgrowth of bacteria and rapidly growing saprophytic fungi and compromises the isolation of slower growing pathogens.

Parasitology

• Collect specimen in the ova & parasite transport kit.  Instruct the patient to pass the bowel movement into a clean container. Do not pass specimen into the toilet or water. Instruct the patient to transfer specimen to the collection kit to the fill line only. DO NOT FILL TO THE TOP OF THE CONTAINER. Specimens must be preserved while fresh. Instruct the patient to document the collection date and time on transport kit. Submit three specimens, each collected on different days.
• The following interfering substances reduce the organisms to very low numbers or they may temporarily eliminate them from the stool: antibiotics, bismuth, kaolin, barium sulfate, sulfonamides, antiprotozoal drugs, anthelminthic agents, oils, magnesium hydroxide and various enemas such as water, soap solutions, irritants and hypertonic salt solutions.

Molecular Microbiology

• For HIV (viral load), HCV and HBV PCR, collect blood in a pearl white-top Plasma Preparation Tube (PPT™).
• For HIV DNA PCR, qualitative (infants only), collect blood in 3 pediatric lavender-top (EDTA) tubes.
• Chlamydia/Gonorrhea PCR: collect specimen using the Abbott Alinity multi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit.
  • Genital: Use chlamydia culture transport media and refrigerate after collection. Indicate specimen site (endocervix, vagina, urethra). Endocervical swab, vaginal swab, female urine, and male urine specimens must be collected using the Alinity m multi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit
  • Urine collection: Patient should not have urinated for at least one hour prior to sample collection. Collect first catch urine.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

• The primary battery of antimicrobics reported depends upon the organism isolated and the specimen source.
• If the organism is susceptible to the agents on the primary batteries, no additional antimicrobics are reported.
• Additional antimicrobics are reported for resistant organisms or may be reported upon physician request.
• For further information or requests, call Microbiology at 714-456-5439.
  

Hours of Service

Routine & STAT Services: Daily, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Limited STAT Services: Daily, 24 hours

Routine Services

• Bacteriology: Specimens requesting bacterial cultures are processed daily during regular service hours.
• Mycobacteriology: Respiratory specimens are processed daily. All other specimens are processed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Acid fast stains are performed on all specimens except blood. Specimens received by 9am will be processed that day.
• Parasitology: Routine procedures on stools are performed Monday through Friday. Specimens should be placed in the parasitology collection kit available on the wards or from Central Distribution. Malaria smears are processed and read daily.
• Mycology: Specimens requesting fungal cultures will be processed daily during regular service hours.
• Serology: Cryptococcal antigens on spinal fluid, syphilis serology, and rubella screens are performed daily, during regular service hours. All other tests are batched. Call Microbiology 714-456-5439 for tthe testingschedule.
• Molecular Microbiology: Not all tests are performed daily. Call microbiology, 714-456-5439 for the testing schedule.

STAT Services

Available Daily, 24 hours

• Bacterial Antigen Assay for Group A Streptococcus, Throat
• Cryptococcal Antigen, Spinal Fluid
• Enterovirus, CSF, by PCR
• Herpes Simplex VirusType 1 and Type 2 by PCR, CSF
• Gram stain
• Group B Streptococcus, vagino/anorectal, by PCR
• HIV Type 1 and Type 2 Antibodies/HIV 1 P24 Antigen Screen (limited to women in labor who have delivered without previous prenatal care, newborns of mothers who decline testing, patients in emergency department, referral clients where patient needs immediate medical intervention, samples submitted through Occupational Health for employees exposed to body fluids)
•  COVID-19/Flu A&B/RSV STAT testing is only available to UCI ER and UCI In-patient locations.
• Legionella Pneumophila Antigen, Urine
• Malaria, EIA
• Streptococcus pneumoniae Antigen, CSF and Urine
• Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), by PCR, Lesions (limited to only to the following patient groups: Women in labor or women who delivered without previous pre-natal care and newborns.

General Guidelines – Specimen Collection

1. Standard precautions and guidelines must be followed.
2. Collect specimens prior to administering antimicrobial agents, whenever possible.
3. Collect an adequate amount of specimen to decrease the chance of false-negative results.
4. Collect the specimen with as little contamination as possible to ensure that the sample will be representative of the infected site.
5. If the specimen is collected through intact skin, cleanse the skin with ChloraPrep or Betadine.
6. Submit specimens in sturdy, sterile leak proof screw-cap containers with lids that do not create an aerosol when opened. When collecting specimen with a swab, use the Culture Swab™. Place swab securely back into the container. Clearly label the specimen container with the patient’s name, identification number, date and time of collection. UNLABELED OR MISLABELED SPECIMENS ARE UNACCEPTABLE AND WILL NOT BE PROCESSED. Please refer to the test directory for further guidelines on microbiology collection containers.
7. ALL SPECIMENS MUST HAVE SOURCE AND/OR SPECIFIC SITE INDICATED. Specimens without source specified will result in processing delays and/or improper testing.
8. Place specimen into a sealable plastic bag with a separate pouch for the transmittal.
9. Provide clinical diagnosis so that proper isolation and identification methods are used.

General Guidelines – Specimen Transport

1. Transport all specimens to the laboratory promptly.
2. Refrigerate specimen at 2-8° C if there is a delay in delivery, with the following exceptions: Hold at room temperature*:
   1. Blood cultures
   2. Anaerobic cultures
   3. Specimens for Trichomonas vaginalis and Neisseria species.
   4. Cerebrospinal fluid
   5. Stool specimens for parasitology exam must be mixed with preservative and held at room temperature.

Consequences of poorly collected and/or poorly transported specimens include the failure to isolate the causative microorganism and the recovery of contaminants or normal microbial flora which may lead to improper treatment of the patient.

Special Collection Instructions

Blood Cultures

• Two separate venipunctures, to collect two sets of blood cultures, each from a different site prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy are recommended.
• Blood culture bottles are available on the ward or from Central Distribution.
• Clean the top of each bottle with an alcohol prep before and after inoculation.
• For adults: Draw 20 mL of blood per venipuncture and inoculate 10 mL into each bottle of the blood culture set: BACTEC PLUS (aerobic/F) and BACTEC LYTIC (anaerobic/F).
• Do not introduce air into the bottles.
• Do not change needles between collection of blood and inoculation of bottles.
• Indicate if fastidious organisms are suspected. Special media and/or extended incubation may be required. Contact Microbiology at 714-456-5439.
• If fungemia or mycobacteria are suspected, collect 3-5 mL of blood into BD BACTEC Myco/F Lytic Culture Vials for adults.  For pediatrics: collect a minimum of 1.0 mL into BD BACTEC Myco/F Lytic Culture Vial.
• Transport immediately to the laboratory.

Mycobacteria

• Specimens must arrive at the laboratory by 9a.m. for processing that day.
• All specimens except blood are processed for smear and culture.
• Smears on respiratory specimens are reported within 24 hours of receipt.

Mycology

• Specimens must be delivered promptly to the laboratory.
• Delay allows for the overgrowth of bacteria and rapidly growing saprophytic fungi and compromises the isolation of slower growing pathogens.

Parasitology

• Collect specimen in the ova & parasite transport kit.  Instruct the patient to pass the bowel movement into a clean container. Do not pass specimen into the toilet or water. Instruct the patient to transfer specimen to the collection kit to the fill line only. DO NOT FILL TO THE TOP OF THE CONTAINER. Specimens must be preserved while fresh. Instruct the patient to document the collection date and time on transport kit. Submit three specimens, each collected on different days.
• The following interfering substances reduce the organisms to very low numbers or they may temporarily eliminate them from the stool: antibiotics, bismuth, kaolin, barium sulfate, sulfonamides, antiprotozoal drugs, anthelminthic agents, oils, magnesium hydroxide and various enemas such as water, soap solutions, irritants and hypertonic salt solutions.

Molecular Microbiology

• For HIV (viral load), HCV and HBV PCR, collect blood in a pearl white-top Plasma Preparation Tube (PPT™).
• For HIV DNA PCR, qualitative (infants only), collect blood in 3 pediatric lavender-top (EDTA) tubes.
• Chlamydia/Gonorrhea PCR: collect specimen using the Abbott Alinity multi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit.
  • Genital: Use chlamydia culture transport media and refrigerate after collection. Indicate specimen site (endocervix, vagina, urethra). Endocervical swab, vaginal swab, female urine, and male urine specimens must be collected using the Alinity m multi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit
  • Urine collection: Patient should not have urinated for at least one hour prior to sample collection. Collect first catch urine.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

• The primary battery of antimicrobics reported depends upon the organism isolated and the specimen source.
• If the organism is susceptible to the agents on the primary batteries, no additional antimicrobics are reported.
• Additional antimicrobics are reported for resistant organisms or may be reported upon physician request.
• For further information or requests, call Microbiology at 714-456-5439.