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
