Swab culture

Test Identifier Information

Culture for pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Aerobic culture routinely performed.

Anaerobic culture only performed if clinical details are suggestive.

Acceptable sample - bacterial swab in transport media.

Varied sites possible from surgical sites or superficial sites.

Specimen Collection

 Clean area to be swabbed with sterile saline to reduce commensal bacterial burden. Moisten swab with sterile saline prior to swabbing, this increases bacterial adherence.

**Requistion form must include relevant clinical details**

eg: Deep chronic wound, diabetic ulcer, foreign body, SSI

Swab Identification Guide

Swab in a zig zag fashion ensuring the whole swab is rolled over/in the area

Instructions for Referral to CHLabs

CHLabs Laboratory