Swab Culture

Pathology category

Microbiology

Code

SWC

Referral code

N/A

Request form

ICE request form. Please include all relevant clinical details, including any current antibiotic treatment.

Test information

Includes bacterial and fungal culture of superficial wound swabs, skin swabs, site swabs, ulcer swabs, abscess swabs, pus swabs, ear swabs, eye swabs, nose swabs, oral swabs and throat swabs.

Tests performed in a UKAS Accredited Medical Laboratory No. 8873.

Guidelines

N/A

Pre-analytical

Always state site and nature of swab. Additionally provide concise, relevant clinical information including antimicrobial therapy. This information is used to select the appropriate laboratory techniques for investigations and will be used for interpretation of cultures. Collect specimens before starting antimicrobial therapy where possible. Samples of exudate and pus is preferable to swabs if present. Sample a representative part of the lesion or site. Swabbing dry crusted areas is unlikely to yield the causative pathogen. If specimens are taken from ulcers, the debris on the ulcer should be removed and the ulcer should be cleaned with saline prior to sampling. Any materials used in taking these samples must be discarded in an approved clinical waste and/or sharps container. If there is a delay in transporting the sample to the laboratory, please store at room temperature.

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

Swab in charcoal transport medium (‘Transwab’). Dry swabs are not suitable and will not be processed.

Special requirements

N/A

Minimum volume

N/A

Assay frequency

Processed daily

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

2 - 5 days

TAT Inpatient

2 - 5 days

TAT GP/Outpatient

2 - 5 days

Referral lab

Local