Surface Swabs

Chronic wounds (e.g. leg ulcers) are invariably colonised with bacteria. Please do not swab unless features of an acute infection are present (pus, spreading erythema).

If mycobacterial infection is suspected, send a biopsy rather than a swab.

Sample type

• Skin
  
• Ulcers
  
• Wounds (except post-operative hospital wounds)
  
• Ear (except for mastoid cavity)
  
• Eye (except for corneal scrapes)
  
• Septic screens from newborn infants
  
• Penile (except for suspected STI)
  
• Vulval
  
• Throat
  
• Nose
  
• Mouth
  
• Placental

Specimen requirements

Send ∑- TRANSWAB® (MWE) (Purple top)

State site swab was taken from in request along with any recent surgery and antibiotic treatment

Minimum volume

N/A

Frequency of test

Daily

Turnaround time

3 days

What to request on EPR

Surface swabs MCS