Changes

*Swab the area which is showing active signs of inflammation - avoid areas of pus as the neutrophilic destruction of bacteria which forms pus is less likely to produce a live culture.

*Swab the area which is showing active signs of inflammation - avoid areas of pus as the neutrophilic destruction of bacteria which forms pus is less likely to produce a live culture.

*Use aseptic techniques and watch the swab tip until it has been safely replaced in the swab container to prevent accidental contamination prior to culture.

*Use aseptic techniques and watch the swab tip until it has been safely replaced in the swab container to prevent accidental contamination prior to culture.

*Transport media containing charcoal is suitable for most samples with some notable exceptions such as Strangles PCR swabs. Check with your submitting lad the first time you collect a swab for a specific diagnostic test to see if there are any special transport medium requirements. CEMO swabs must be taken in charcoal.

*Transport media containing charcoal is suitable for most samples with some notable exceptions such as swabs requiring Strangles PCR. Check with your submitting lad the first time you collect a swab for a specific diagnostic test to see if there are any special transport medium requirements. CEMO swabs must be taken in charcoal.

*Label the swab immediately and indelibly with the patient details, site, and date.  

*Label the swab immediately and indelibly with the patient details, site, and date.  

*Fill in your external lab request form as completely as possible - the more information you include the better the chances of a diagnostic result. Most cultures are likely to give a mixed growth and if the pathologist can rule in or out organism based on the information you give them then the pathological process becomes considerably more accurate.

*Fill in your external lab request form as completely as possible - the more information you include the better the chances of a diagnostic result. Most cultures are likely to give a mixed growth and if the pathologist can rule in or out organism based on the information you give them then the pathological process becomes considerably more accurate.