Moaven and Partners Pathology
http://www.moavenandpartners.com/doctors/collection_collection_guide/index.shtmlSwab collection guide
SWAB DESCRIPTION | USED FOR | INSTRUCTION |
Blue top plastic shaft swabAmies transport medium |
Culture for aerobes and anaerobes from any site eg throat, wound, HVS. This swab may also be used for chlamydia & gonorrhoeae, Bordetella and HSV etc PCR |
After collection, place blue top swab into the transport medium †. Discard white cap. Store at room temperature.Needs to be processed within 12-18 hours |
Orange top aluminium shaft swabWithout transport medium |
Preferred swab for chlamydia and gonorrhoeae PCR from male and female urethra. A first void urine is an alternative sample. This swab can also be used for Herpes virus, Bordetella PCR. |
After collection, place the swab into the empty tube. Store at room temperature.Needs to be processed within 2-3 days |
Orange top aluminium shaft swabAmies transport medium |
Culture for aerobes and anaerobes from ear, nose, urethra, eye, wound sinuses etc. Useful for getting into sinuses etc. This swab may also be for PCR testing. |
After collection, place swab into the transport medium †. Discard white cap. Store at room temperature.Needs to be processed within 12-18 hours |
† Swabs collected for microscopy and culture should have a smear made for Gram staining
For fungal microscopy and culture skin scrapings, diseased nail or tissue is required.
For ‘sterile’ fluids (e.g. joint fluid) directly inoculate a blood culture bottle.
Few laboratories still culture viruses… most are now detected by PCR. For Herpes viruses ensure material is taken from the base of the most recent lesion (vesicular fluid may not be sufficient).
For any queries please do not hesitate to contact Dr Len Moaven (9624 6222 or 0438216 163)
