JOINT FLUID GRAM STAIN PLUS CULTURE | SENGKANG GENERAL HOSPITAL

Lab Section Category	Microbiology
Specimen Collection	Joint Fluid, Knee Fluid
Storage/Transport	• Specimen should reach the Microbiology Laboratory within 2 hours of collection. • If delay in transportation cannot be avoided, please keep specimens at 2 to 8°C.
Methodology	Gram stain and Culture
Test Result	Gram stain “No organisms seen” or descriptive report of observations. Culture Negative: “No bacterial growth” “No growth of pathogens” Positive: Identification of probable pathogen(s)
Turnaround Time	Negative: 2 – 4 days Positive: 3 – 5 days* *Depending on the number and type of organism(s) isolated
Day(s) Test Set Up	Daily
Additional Information	-
Sample Rejection	Refer to General Specimen / Collection Guide

Last Updated - 12 Jun 2025