Laboratory Test Preparation

Not applicable

Not applicable

Used for the detection of Plasmodia sp. parasite/s in the peripheral blood.

Direct Microscopic Examination- Wright-Geimsa Stain

Hematology

• No patient preparation necessary.
• Collection must be done during onset of fever
• Preparation of Smear:
1. Prepare a thin smear using wedge method
2. For the thick smear, place one drop of blood on the other end of the slide and spread it to make a 1-cm round smear.

• EDTA (purple top)
• Slides should be placed in slide holders or mailers before placing in a packaging container
• In cases wherein slide mailers/ holders are not available, place slides in a hard cardboard to prevent breakage

• 2 mL EDTA Whole blood
• 2 Slides of Thick and thin Blood Smears

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

• Blood: Transport at 2ºC - 10ºC (with ice pack)
• Slides: Transport at 15ºC - 25ºC (room temp)

For Whole Blood:
• Exceeded sample stability requirement
• Insufficient volume
• Improperly labeled specimens

For Blood Smear
• Poorly prepared smear
• Improperly labeled specimens

Daily

Monday to Saturday
• 6:00 PM

Sunday
• 3:00 PM

2 Working Days (excluding Saturday, Sundays and holidays)

NEGATIVE

Timing of collection (collection must be done during onset of fever).

Not applicable

Malaria, Plasmodium parasites, Blood smear, Traveler's Diseases.

MAMMOGRAPHY

• Mammography
• Digital mammography
• Full-field digital mammography (FFDM)

EKLUND TECHNIQUE

• Eklund view
• Eklund modified compression technique
• Implants displacement view

SPOT MAGNIFICATION

• Spot compression
• Compression mammogram
• Spot view
• Cone view
• Focal compression view

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MAMMOGRAPHY
Mammography is a specific type of breast imaging that uses X-rays to obtain images inside the breasts.

This test is requested as a:

1. Screening tool to early detect breast cancers before symptoms are experienced and when it is most treatable.
2. Diagnostic tool to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain, skin dimpling or nipple discharge.

SPOT MAGNIFICATION
In some cases, the radiologist requests for additional views because of an area of the breast image that is questionable, perhaps unclear or abnormal on the image. Additional view, such as spot compression, is performed by using a small compression plate to magnify (zoom in) the small area in question to achieve better visualization.

EKLUND TECHNIQUE
For patients with breast implants, a special technique, is performed to see the breast tissue in more detail. The technique is to pull the breast tissue forward and push the implant against the chest wall.

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IMAGING DEPARTMENT

BRANCHES & SCHEDULE

MAMMOGRAPHY

• No need for appointment, available for walk-in patients
• HPD Del Monte - Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• HPD Las Pinas - Monday to Saturday 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• HPD Plus Alabang - Monday to Saturday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Sunday 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
• NOTE: Please note that schedule is subject to change without prior notice. Call the branch for confirmation.

For patients with breast implants (EKLUND TECHNIQUE) or for SPOT MAGNIFICATION

• Call for appointment, schedule of visit should but at the same time that the Radiologist or Senior RRT is present.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Pregnant or suspect to be
• Sore breast (with signs of inflammation)
• Post-biopsy
• 39 years old and below without doctor's request

PREPARATIONS

• Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under the arms or on the breasts on the day of the exam.
• The best time to have a mammogram is 1 week after the last day of menstrual period when the breasts tend to be less tender, thus the patient will feel less pain.
• Inform the X-Ray Technologist if the patient has breast implant/s in order to avoid rupturing the implant/s.
• Bring previous mammogram film for comparison if any.

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-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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HPD Del Monte - next working day at 5:00 PM
HPD Las Pinas – 2 working days
HPD Plus Alabang – 2 working days

NOTE: Please note that schedule is subject to change without prior notice. Call the branch for confirmation.

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How is the Mammography performed?

• The Registered Radiologic Technologist (RRT) will position the breast on a special platform and compress with a clear plastic paddle. The patient needs to remain still to avoid the possibility of getting blurry images. Pressure will be felt as the breast is compressed. Some patients may experience discomfort or pain that is fleeting, but not all find it painful.
• The best time to perform this procedure when the breasts are least tender. Always remember that compression produces better quality mammograms. 

What is the difference between a mammogram and breast ultrasound?

• Mammogram captures the entire image of the breast and even identify lumps that cannot be felt or externally seen, whereas, breast ultrasound is highly directed which means that it is useful when a specific area needs to be scanned. 

Not Applicable

Not applicable

To determine deificiency or overexposure to manganese

Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)

Special Test

• Avoid herbal and mineral supplements for at least four days prior to blood collection.
• Overnight fasting (at least 8 hours) is required.
• Use only non-powdered gloves throughout the collection procedure.
• Wash the collection site with soap and water, followed by an alcohol swab.
• Do not use iodine-containing disinfectants.
• Do not open the blood collection tube. Send or ship the tube directly to the laboratory.
• Collect the trace metal tube last if other tubes are to be collected from the same site.
• Include current medications, illness or risks of exposure of the patient in the clinical information that arre related to the analytes.
• Carefully clean skin prior to venipuncture. Avoid worksite collection.
• (Request Container to Special test section)

Royal Blue Top - (Request Container to Special test section)

2pcs of  wholeblood Royal Blue Top

Not Applicable

24 Hours

7 days

28 days

Transport specimen at 2-8 'C (with cold packs)

• Clotted sample
• Incorrect collection tube
• Insufficient volume
• Incorrect storage temperature of specimen
• Only one vacutainer tube submitted
• Exceeded sample stability requirement
• Improperly labeled specimens

Batch Running

Monday, 12:00 PM

3 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Q: What are the possible risks of having manganese deficiency?

A: Manganese deficiency produces growth disorders, alters skeletal formation and impairs reproduction.

Q: What are the possible risks from excessive exposure to manganese?

A: Symptoms of manganese toxicity are similar to Parkinson's Disease and can also include disorientation, memory impairment, anxiety and compulsive behavior.

Body Fluid (Pleural, Pericardial, Peritoneal, Ascitic, Synovial, Amniotic, and Gastric fluids) Culture and Sensitivity

Not applicable

• Microbial culture is a test done to determine the type of microorganism that is causing an illness or infection.
• Sensitivity or Susceptibility test determines which antimicrobial agent will inhibit the growth of the detected microorganism causing the illness or infection.
• Results from these tests will help determine which drugs are most likely to be effective in treating a patient’s infection.
• Culture and Sensitivity STRICTLY for Body Fluid (Pleural, Pericardial, Peritoneal, Ascitic, Synovial, Amniotic, and Gastric fluids) samples except CSF.

Manual Culture and Sensitivity Method:
Identification: Biochemical Testing
Sensitivity: Disk Diffusion

Bacteriology

Instructions to Send-in Clients:
• Indicate patient’s diagnosis, medical history and sample type on request forms.

Sterile leak proof container

SPECIMEN:
• Pleural
• Pericardial
• Peritoneal
• Synovial
• Amniotic
• Gastric fluids

VOLUME:
• 2-4 mL

Not applicable

24 Hours

Not applicable

Not applicable

Transport specimens immediately to HPD Laboratory at room temperature (15-25°C)

NOTE: Do not delay transport of samples.

• Incorrect label
• Quantity not sufficient
• Exceeded sample stability and temperature storage requirement
• Specimens in leaky containers.

Daily

Monday to Saturday: 7:00 PM

Sunday: 3:00PM

• Initial Report: after 24hours
• Final Report: after 72 hours (3 days)

NOTE: An additional 2-3 days may be necessary in case of positive growth .

Not applicable

• Patients who are currently on antibiotic therapy can give a false-negative culture result.
• Improper sample collection.

Not applicable

Gram Stain, Cytology, Cell Block

Genital Discharge (Amies) Culture and Sensitivity

Not applicable

• Microbial culture is a test done to determine the type of microorganism that is causing an illness or infection.
• Sensitivity or Susceptibility test determines which antimicrobial agent will inhibit the growth of the detected microorganism causing the illness or infection.
• Results from these tests will help determine which drugs are most likely to be effective in treating a patient’s infection.
• Culture and Sensitivity STRICTLY for VAGINAL, PENILE, and URETHRAL Discharges only

Manual Culture and Sensitivity Method:
Identification: Biochemical Testing
Sensitivity: Disk Diffusion

Bacteriology

Instructions to Send-in Clients:
• Indicate patient’s diagnosis, medical history and sample type (e.g. penile, urethral, vaginal discharge, etc.) on request forms.

A. Vaginal Swab
1. Use a speculum without lubricant.
2. Collect secretions from mucosa high in the vaginal canal with a sterile cotton swab (AMIES transport swab).
3. Place the swab inside its transport tube, label the swab properly and transport swab immediately.
NOTE: Collect samples 1 or more hours after the client has urinated.

B. Urethral swab
1. Avoid contamination with microorganisms from the foreskin.
2. Clean the head of the penis using sterile gauze or cotton.
3. Using a sterile cotton swab (AMIES transport swab), collect discharge by gently squeezing the penis in a milking motion. If no discharge is collected, insert the swab 2-4 cm to the urethra, gently rotate and, leave in place for 1-2 seconds and withdraw.
4. Place the swab inside its transport tube, label the swab properly and transport swab immediately.
NOTE: Collect samples 1 or more hours after the client has urinated.

• AMIES Transport swab (most recommended)

NOTE: It is highly recommended to use the Amies Transport Swab for optimal results. In case transport media is not available and sample cannot be collected again due to health/medical issues, you may place and transport the STERILE ordinary cotton swab in a sterile container.

SPECIMEN:
• Vaginal Discharge
• Penile Discharge
• Urethral Discharge
• Cervical Discharge
• Cervico-vaginal
• Endo-cervical


VOLUME:
• One AMIES Transport swab per sample

Not applicable

24 Hours

Not applicable

Not applicable

Transport specimens immediately to HPD Laboratory at room temperature (15-25°C)

NOTE: Do not delay transport of samples.

• Incorrect label
• Incorrect sample container and/or transport media
• Exceeded sample stability and temperature storage requirement

Daily

Monday to Saturday
• 7:00 PM

Sunday
• 4:00 PM

NEGATIVE: 48 hours
POSITIVE: Additional 2-3 days from the day suspected pathogenic bacterial growth is detected.

Not applicable

• Patients who are currently on antibiotic therapy can give a false-negative culture result.
• Improper sample collection.

Not applicable

Gram Stain, Paps Smear, HPV

• Stool Culture and Sensitivity
• Bacterial Culture, stool
• Feces Culture
• Enteric Pathogens Culture, stool

Not applicable

• Microbial culture is a test done to determine the type of microorganism that is causing an illness or infection.
• Sensitivity or Susceptibility test determines which antimicrobial agent will inhibit the growth of the detected microorganism causing the illness or infection.
• Results from these tests will help determine which drugs are most likely to be effective in treating a patient’s infection.

Manual Culture and Sensitivity Method:
Identification: Biochemical Testing
Sensitivity: Disk Diffusion

Bacteriology

Instructions to Send-in Clients:
• Indicate patient’s diagnosis, medical history and sample type on request forms.
• To ensure optimum incubation requirement, it is highly recommended that all samples for bacteriological culture and sensitivity tests are collected and submitted on the earliest possible time of the day.

Specimen Collection/Patient Preparation:
A. Fecal specimens:
1. Patients should be instructed to collect stool sample.
2. Transfer at least 5 ml of diarrheal stool or walnut-sized portion of stool to a clean, wide-mouthed screw-capped container (must be submitted to the laboratory within 2 hours from the time collected).
3. For Branches and Send-in clients
a. Transfer at least 5 ml of diarrheal stool or walnut-sized portion of stool to a clean, wide-mouthed screw-capped container.
b. The Cary Blair transport medium must be chilled prior to use.
c. Remove the wrapper from the end of the handle of the sterile swab. Do not touch the tip of the swab.
d. Collect a small amount of stool by inserting a cotton swab into the stool and rotating it. Prepare at least two swabs.
e. Immediately insert the swab into the transport medium. The swab should be inserted all the way to the bottom of the tube of the transport medium.
f. Screw the cap firmly on the transport medium container.
g. Submit specimen (in transport medium only) to the laboratory for processing.

Note: Do not use toilet paper to collect stool. The specimen should not be mixed with urine.

B. Rectal Swabs:
1. Wash your hands with soap and water then dry well.
2. The Cary Blair transport medium must be chilled prior to use.
3. Remove the wrapper from the end of the handle of the sterile swab. Do not touch the tip of the swab.
4. Remove one swab and hold it 3 to 4 cm (about 1 1/2 inches) from the tip.
5. Assume a comfortable position which will allow you access to your bum.
6. Hold one cheek of your bum far to one side.
7. Holding the swab firmly, gently insert the swab into your anus 3-4 cm until the tips of your fingers touch the outside of your anus. (Entry is easier if you sit down a little, as if you were having a bowel movement.)
8. With the swab still inside your anus, release your hold on the shaft, then take hold of it again about half way down the shaft.
9. Move the swab once in a large circle, pressing gently against the inside of your anus.
10. Slowly and gently remove the swab from your anus turning the swab slowly as you remove it.
11. Place the swab into Cary-Blair Medium. Bend and break the end of the swab. Prepare at least 2 swabs.
12. Replace the bottle cap tightly.
13. Submit specimen in transport medium to the laboratory for processing.

• Clean, wide-mouthed, screw-capped container for walk in
• Cary Blair Transport medium for branches and send in clients

• Fresh Stool (Must be submitted to the laboratory within 2 hours from the time collected).
1. Watery stool: 4-5 ml
2. Formed/semi-formed stool: Walnut-sized portion of stool

• Stool in Modified Cary Blair Medium (at least 2 swabs)

Not applicable

• Fresh stool: 2 hours from time of collection.
• Stool in transport medium (Cary-Blair medium): Not applicable

• Fresh stool: 2 hours from time of collection.
• Stool in transport medium (Cary-Blair medium): 1-2 days

Not applicable

• Transport fresh stool samples at 2°C – 8°C within 2 hours from time of collection.
• Transport stool samples in Cary-Blair transport medium at 2°C – 8°C.

NOTE: Do not delay transport of samples.

• Incorrect label
• Incorrect sample container and/or transport media used
• Incorrect storage temperature
• Stool with Barium
• Fresh stool not in transport medium received > 2 hours after collection.

Daily

Monday to Saturday
• 7:00 PM

Sunday
• 3:00 PM

• NEGATIVE/NORMAL FLORA: 48 HOURS

• POSITIVE FOR ENTEROPATHOGEN: Additional 2-3 days from the day suspected enteropathogenic bacterial growth is detected.

Not applicable

• Patients who are currently on antibiotic therapy can give a false-negative culture result. Please consult your doctor before having the test done.
• Improper sample collection.

Not applicable

Ova and Parasite Exam, Clostridium difficile and C. difficile Toxin Testing, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Widal Test, Gastrointestinal Pathogens Panel

Swab Culture and Sensitivity

Not applicable

• Microbial culture is a test done to determine the type of microorganism that is causing an illness or infection.
• Sensitivity or Susceptibility test determines which antimicrobial agent will inhibit the growth of the detected microorganism causing the illness or infection.
• Results from these tests will help determine which drugs are most likely to be effective in treating a patient’s infection.
• Culture and Sensitivity for ALL samples in AMIES transport media except those collected from the genital area. Examples are Nasal, Throat, or Wound Swabs.

Manual Culture and Sensitivity Method:
Identification: Biochemical Testing
Sensitivity: Disk Diffusion

Bacteriology

Instructions to Send-in Clients:
• Indicate patient’s diagnosis, medical history and sample type on request forms.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION:
A. Wound Swab
1. The wound must be cleansed with sterile saline solution to irrigate any purulent debris.
2. Moisten the sterile cotton swab (Amies transport swab) by using sterile saline solution
3. Without touching the swab to the surrounding wound edges or skin, rotate tip of the swab over a 1 cm area at the center of the open wound for 5 seconds. Apply sufficient pressure to cause tissue fluid to be expressed.
4. Place the swab inside its transport tube, label the swab properly with the patient's name and specimen type
5. Transport to laboratory immediately.

B. Throat Swab
1. Using a sterile tongue depressor, press the patient's tongue and have the patient say "Ah". This is to expose the patient's posterior pharynx.
2. Extend sterile cotton swab (Amies transport swab) between tonsillar pillars and behind the uvula, avoiding the tongue, buccal mucosa and uvula.
3. Sweep the swab back and forth across the posterior pharynx, tonsillar areas, and inflammed or exudative areas.
NOTE: Do not obtain specimens if the epiglottis is inflamed, since sampling may trigger life-threatening obstruction.
4. Place the swab inside the AMIES transport media, label the swab properly with the patient's name and specimen type.
5. Transport to laboratory immediately.

C. Nasal Swab
1. Insert the swab approximately 2 cm into the (approximately 3/4 inches) naris.
2. Rotate the swab against the anterior nasal mucosa for 3 seconds.
3. Place the swab back into the AMIES transport tube.
4. Transport to laboratory immediately.

• AMIES Transport swab (most recommended)

NOTE: It is highly recommended to use the Amies Transport Swab for optimal results. In case transport media is not available and sample cannot be collected again due to health/medical issues, you may place and transport the STERILE ordinary cotton swab in a sterile container.

SPECIMEN:
• Wound swab
• Throat swab
• Nasal swab

VOLUME:
• One AMIES Transport swab per sample

Not applicable

24 Hours

Not applicable

Not applicable

Transport specimens immediately to HPD Laboratory at room temperature (15-25°C)

NOTE: Do not delay transport of samples.

• Incorrect label
• Incorrect sample container and/or transport media
• Exceeded sample stability and temperature storage requirement

Daily

Monday to Saturday
• 7:00 PM

Sunday
• 3:00 PM

NEGATIVE: 48 hours
POSITIVE: Additional 2-3 days from the day suspected pathogenic bacterial growth is detected.

Not applicable

• The survival of bacteria in transport media depends on various factors such as bacteria type and concentration in the specimen, transport media formulation, the temperature and duration of the transport, and inoculation to appropriate culture media within 24 hours.
• If the specimen involves deep abscesses suspicious of anearobic organism, a separate request should indicate so. Isolation of anearobic organism is not covered here.

Not applicable

Gram Stain

Urine Culture and Sensitivity

Not applicable

• Microbial culture is a test done to determine the type of microorganism that is causing an illness or infection.
• Sensitivity or Susceptibility test determines which antimicrobial agent will inhibit the growth of the detected microorganism causing the illness or infection.
• Results from these tests will help determine which drugs are most likely to be effective in treating a patient’s infection.

Manual Culture and Sensitivity Method:
Identification: Biochemical Testing
Sensitivity: Disk Diffusion

Bacteriology

Instructions to Send-in Clients:
• Indicate patient’s diagnosis, medical history and sample type on request forms.

Specimen Collection/Patient Preparation:
A. Clean-voided midstream urine collection
1. Before starting the procedure, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Cleanse the genital area using the following procedure:
a. Female
(1) Squat over the toilet or bed pan, use the fingers of one hand to separate and hold the folds of the skin of the genital area.
(2) Clean the urinary opening and surrounding area with a cleansing towelette, moving from front to back. Repeat cleaning using a second towelette.
b. Male
(1) Circumcised males: no preparation for midstream specimen.
(2) Uncircumcised males:
(a) The foreskin should be withdrawn to expose the urethral meatus.
(b) With a cleansing towelette or equivalent, the glans should be cleansed, beginning at the tip and moving toward the base. Repeat the cleansing process using a second towelette.
3. Discard towelettes in trash cans.
4. Open the lid of the sterile container taking extra care not to touch the inside.
5. Have the patient collect voided urine. The first portion should be passed into the toilet bowl or bed pan. Collect the mid portion (“midstream clean catch”) directly into a sterile leak proof container without contaminating container. Do not halt and restart urinating for a midstream collection but preferably move the container into the path of the already voiding urine.
6. Tightly screw the cap on the specimen container.
7. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
8. Label the container properly with your full name along with the date and time of collection and submit to the laboratory for processing.

B. Catheter urine
Using a needle or syringe, collect through the catheter port, after cleaning with alcohol.

NOTE:
• Recommended time for collection: Early morning
• Never collect urine from a bedpan or urinal.
• Collection of midstream urine specimens should be avoided during menses.
• Do not send urine obtained from a catheter bag.
• Submission of urine on pedibag is discouraged. In-and-out catheterization is the recommended method for neonates, infants and young toddlers. But if the urine on pedibag is the only sample that can be obtained, sample can be analyzed provided that proper handling is observed.
• Pedibag must be properly sealed and submitted inside a sterile leak-proof container.

Sterile leak-proof container

• 1 - 5 mL clean, voided midstream urine
• 1 - 5 Suprapubic Aspiration preferred for patients on antibiotics

Not applicable

2 Hours

24 Hours

Not applicable

Transport specimens IMMEDIATELY (within 24 hours) to HPD Laboratory at 2-8°C (with ice packs).

NOTE: Do not delay transport of samples.

• Incorrect label.
• Incorrect sample container and/or transport media.
• Incorrect storage temperature.
• Specimens received > 2 hours from time of collection AND with no evidence of refrigeration.
• 24-h urine collection.
• Foley-Catheter tip.
• Urine from the bag of catheterized patient.
• Specimens arrived in leaky containers.

Daily

Monday to Saturday
• 7:00 PM

Sunday
• 4:00 PM

NEGATIVE: 48 hours
POSITIVE: Additional 2-3 days from the day bacterial growth is detected.

Not applicable

• Patients who are currently on antibiotic therapy can give a false-negative culture result.
• Improper sample collection.

Q: Can we submit sample in pedi bag/wee bag?
A: Submission of urine on pedibag/wee bag is discouraged. In-and-out catheterization is the recommended method for neonates, infants and young toddlers. But if the urine on pedibag is the only sample that can be obtained, sample can be analyzed provided that proper handling is observed. Pedibag must be properly sealed and submitted inside a sterile leak proof container.

Urinalysis, Blood Culture, Bacterial Wound Culture, Gram Stain, Urine Protein

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Culture
and Sensitivity

Not applicable

• Microbial culture is a test done to determine the type of microorganism that is causing an illness or infection.
• Sensitivity or Susceptibility test determines which antimicrobial agent will inhibit the growth of the detected microorganism causing the illness or infection.
• Results from these tests will help determine which drugs are most likely to be effective in treating a patient’s infection.
• Culture and Sensitivity STRICTLY for Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Manual Culture and Sensitivity Method:
Identification: Biochemical Testing
Sensitivity: Disk Diffusion

Bacteriology

Instructions to Send-in Clients:
• Indicate patient’s diagnosis, medical history and sample type on request forms.

Sterile leak-proof container

1-5 mL Cerebrospinal Fluid

Not applicable

24 Hours

Not applicable

Not applicable

Transport specimens immediately to HPD Laboratory at room temperature (15-25°C)

NOTE: Do not delay transport of samples.

• Incorrect label
• Quantity not sufficient
• Exceeded sample stability and temperature storage requirement
• Specimens in leaky containers.

Daily

Monday to Saturday: 7:00PM

Sunday: 3:00PM

NEGATIVE RESULT:
• Initial Report: after 48 hours (2 days)
• Final Report: after 4 days

POSITIVE RESULT:
• Additional 2-3 days from the day bacterial growth is detected.

Not applicable

• Patients who are currently on antibiotic therapy can give a false-negative culture result.
• Improper sample collection.

Not applicable

Gram Stain, India Ink, CSF analysis

• Sputum Culture and Sensitivity
• Endotracheal Aspirate (ETA) Culture and Sensitivity

For Culture and Sensitivity of Sputum samples (expectorated/induced), test includes Gram Stain procedure.

• Microbial culture is a test done to determine the type of microorganism that is causing an illness or infection.
• Sensitivity or Susceptibility test determines which antimicrobial agent will inhibit the growth of the detected microorganism causing the illness or infection.
• Results from these tests will help determine which drugs are most likely to be effective in treating a patient’s infection.
• Culture and Sensitivity STRICTLY for Sputum and Endotracheal Aspirate (ETA) only.

Manual Culture and Sensitivity Method:
Identification: Biochemical Testing
Sensitivity: Disk Diffusion

Bacteriology

• Culture and Sensitivity of Sputum samples (expectorated/induced) include initial gram stain procedure for assessment of sample acceptability (sample should be sputum not saliva). In case sample submitted does not fit the criteria of a sputum specimen, a repeat collection will be requested.

Instructions to Send-in Clients:
• Indicate patient’s diagnosis, medical history and sample type on request forms.

A. Sputum Collection
The most productive sputum can be collected in the morning.
1. Expectorated Sputum
a. Rinse the mouth and gargle with water. Do not brush teeth prior to collection.
b. Take a deep breath and make a deep cough. Good quality sputum should not contain saliva. Specimen should be collected in a sterile leak-proof container and delivered to the laboratory without delay.
c. Properly close and wipe dry the container. Label sample container with patient's complete name, with date and time of collection.

2. Induced Sputum
a. Rinse the mouth and gargle with water. Do not brush teeth prior to collection.
b. Using a nebulizer, have the patient inhale approximately 20 to 30 mL of 3% NaCl.
c. Take a deep breath and make a deep cough. Collect the induced sputum into a sterile leak-proof container and deliver to the laboratory without delay.
d. Properly close and wipe the container dry. Label sample container with patient's complete name, with date and time of collection.

B. Endotracheal Aspirate Collection
1. Aspirate the specimen into a sterile Luken trap and aseptically transfer sample to a sterile screw-cap container. If not applicable, pass the whole catheter but make sure the tip of the catheter is not exposed to the outside environment so as to avoid any contamination of the specimen when transported to the laboratory. Label the sterile container or the catheter cover properly and submit to the laboratory.

Sterile leak-proof container

SPECIMEN:
• Sputum (Expectorated/Induced collection)
• Endotracheal Aspirate

VOLUME:
• 1-2 mL

Not applicable

Not applicable

24 Hours

Not applicable

Transport specimens immediately to HPD Laboratory at ref temperature (2-8°C)

NOTE: Do not delay transport of samples.

• Incorrect label
• Sample quantity not sufficient
• Exceeded sample stability and temperature storage requirement
• Specimens with leaky containers.
• Salivary specimens

Daily

Monday to Saturday: 7:00PM

Sunday: 3:00PM

NEGATIVE: 48 hours
POSITIVE: Additional 2-3 days from the day suspected significant bacterial growth is detected.

Not applicable

• Patients who are currently on antibiotic therapy can give a false-negative culture result. Please consult your doctor before having the test done.
• Improper sample collection.

Not applicable

Gram Stain, AFB Stain, TB Culture and Sensitivity

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

To establish biological relationship between MOTHER and child.

DNA Analysis

Special Test

• Hard copy of RTPCR negative results for BOTH PARTIES are needed 2-3 days from the date of collection.
• Inform Special Test Section before the scheduled sample collection for the collection kit.
• Request DNA Collection Kit to Special test section 3 days prior of swab collection.
• Only trained doctors/RMTs are allowed to collect samples.

Sample collection/handling:

1. Each collection kit (provided by HP Main Lab) includes 4 swabs.
2. Collect sample using the 4 swabs for each patient (i.e. 4 swabs for mother, 4 swabs for child)
3. Return swabs to its sterile package and place it inside the provided envelope.
4. Encircle whether sample came from mother or child.                 NOTE:Sample from mother and child must be placed in separate envelopes.
5. Completely fill up the required information in the envelope.      NOTE:Signatures of patient and collector is required. For minors, legal guardian must sign on the envelope containing the child's sample.
6. Remove adhesive cover and seal the envelope with sample.
7. Send sample immediately to HP Main Lab.

Document Requirements:

• Birth Certificate/School I.D of child, actual and  2 photocopies
• Valid I.D of mother, actual and  2 photocopies
• Completely filled up request form
• Completely filled up disclaimer form
• Valid ID of requesting party (if not the alleged mother), actual and 2 photocopies

NOTE:Double check completeness and correctness of information before sending to HP Main Lab to avoid delay ing processing of sample.

DNA Swab Collection Kit - 4 swabs each(Provided by Special Test)

4 swabs each from mother and child

Not Applicable

7 Days

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Transport specimen at 15°C ~25 °C (room temperature)
 

• Incomplete details of patient, including signatures
• Unlabelled sample
• Incorrect collection container used
• Incomplete document requirement

Batch Running

Friday, 12:00 PM

2 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Not Applicable

None Specified.

Not Applicable

DNA test that establishes whether a man is the biological father of a child

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

To establish biological relationship between Mother and child.

DNA Anlysis

Special Test

• Hard copy of RTPCR negative results for BOTH PARTIES are needed 2-3 days from the date of collection.
• Inform Special Test Section before the scheduled sample collection for the collection kit.
• Request DNA Collection Kit to Special test section 3 days prior of swab collection.
• Only trained doctors/RMTs are allowed to collect samples.

Sample collection/handling:

1. Each collection kit (provided by HP Main Lab) includes 4 swabs.
2. Collect sample using the 4 swabs for each patient (i.e. 4 swabs for mother, 4 swabs for child)
3. Return swabs to its sterile package and place it inside the provided envelope.
4. Encircle whether sample came from mother or child.                 NOTE:Sample from mother and child must be placed in separate envelopes.
5. Completely fill up the required information in the envelope.      NOTE:Signatures of patient and collector is required. For minors, legal guardian must sign on the envelope containing the child's sample.
6. Remove adhesive cover and seal the envelope with sample.
7. Send sample immediately to HP Main Lab.

Document Requirements:

• Birth Certificate/School I.D of child, actual and  2 photocopies
• Valid I.D of mother, actual and  2 photocopies
• Completely filled up request form
• Completely filled up disclaimer form
• Valid ID of requesting party (if not the alleged mother), actual and 2 photocopies

NOTE:Double check completeness and correctness of information before sending to HP Main Lab to avoid delay ing processing of sample.

DNA Swab Collection Kit - 4 swabs each(Provided by Special Test)

4 swabs each from Mother and child

Not Applicable

7 Days

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Transport specimen at 15°C ~25 °C (room temperature)

• Incomplete details of patient, including signatures
• Unlabelled sample
• Incorrect collection container used
• Incomplete document requirement

Batch Running

Friday, 12:00 PM

2 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

DNA test that establishes whether a woman is the biological Mother of a child

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

To establish biological relationship between Mother and child.

DNA Anlysis

Special Test

• Hard copy of RTPCR negative results for BOTH PARTIES are needed 2-3 days from the date of collection.
• Inform Special Test Section before the scheduled sample collection for the collection kit.
• Request DNA Collection Kit to Special test section 3 days prior of swab collection.
• Only trained doctors/RMTs are allowed to collect samples.

Sample collection/handling:

1. Each collection kit (provided by HP Main Lab) includes 4 swabs.
2. Collect sample using the 4 swabs for each patient (i.e. 4 swabs for mother, 4 swabs for child)
3. Return swabs to its sterile package and place it inside the provided envelope.
4. Encircle whether sample came from mother or child.                 NOTE:Sample from mother and child must be placed in separate envelopes.
5. Completely fill up the required information in the envelope.      NOTE:Signatures of patient and collector is required. For minors, legal guardian must sign on the envelope containing the child's sample.
6. Remove adhesive cover and seal the envelope with sample.
7. Send sample immediately to HP Main Lab.

Document Requirements:

• Birth Certificate/School I.D of child, actual and  2 photocopies
• Valid I.D of mother, actual and  2 photocopies
• Completely filled up request form
• Completely filled up disclaimer form
• Valid ID of requesting party (if not the alleged mother), actual and 2 photocopies

NOTE:Double check completeness and correctness of information before sending to HP Main Lab to avoid delay ing processing of sample.

DNA Swab Collection Kit - 4 swabs each(Provided by Special Test)

4 swabs each from Mother and child

Not Applicable

7 Days

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Transport specimen at 15°C ~25 °C (room temperature)

• Incomplete details of patient, including signatures
• Unlabelled sample
• Incorrect collection container used
• Incomplete document requirement

Batch Running

Friday, 12:00 PM

2 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

DNA test that establishes whether a woman is the biological Mother of a child