Ophthalmology specimens pose unique challenges for diagnostic microbiology. Small sample volume and urgency of clinical decision-making requires prioritized testing, thoughtful specimen handling and close communication between clinicians and the laboratory.
Key considerations
A key issue is the small volume of sample that is available. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritise testing for each individual patient. If in doubt, please consult one of our clinical microbiologists at the outset, otherwise there may be insufficient sample for all tests requested, and “after requesting” additional tests may not be possible.
Update on laboratory testing of ophthalmology samples