Valve tissue can be sent to Great Ormond Street for bacterial 16s RNA PCR and/or fungal 18s RNA PCR. Please discuss with Microbiology medical staff.

Sample type

  • Heart valves
  • Tissue or fluid associated with heart valves
  • Pacing wires

Specimen requirements

Send in a sterile universal container

Minimum volume

N/A

Frequency of test

Daily

Turnaround time

9 days

What to request on EPR

Pus / deep wound / fluid / abscess / biopsy / scrape / aspirate / valve MCS - > specimen type - heart valve / pacemaker