Recent changes in Microbiology

Female genital samples that are received in the department have a set of default tests performed which include; culture for Candida species and Neisseria gonorrhoea/microscopic detection for Trichomonas vaginalis and if of child bearing age microscopic detection of clue cells an indicator of bacterial vaginosis. Other bacterial pathogens will be investigated dependant on patients demographics or documented clinical details. The department separately reports on Trichomonas and clue cells and a separate report on culture is issued with a standard report “No pathogens isolated” for negative bacterial cultures.

Following a recent audit the department has decided to improve its culture reporting and now issues two negative culture reports based on the investigations performed:

• Neisseria gonorrhoea and Candida not isolated – for samples that only have the default  investigations performed
• No pathogens isolated – for samples that have had the default investigations as well as additional pathogens based on clinical information supplied.

Please note: Chlamydia testing is a separate molecular test that will be reported on a separate report if tested.