(eSwab)
swab
1.0 mL
Secure the Specimen: After collecting the sample, insert the swab into the transport tube and break the shaft at the pre-molded breakpoint. Securely screw the cap on tightly to prevent leakage.
Labeling: Label the tube immediately with at least three patient identifiers (e.g., Name, Date of Birth, Hospital Number), the date and time of collection, and the specific source/site of the wound on the label and the requisition form.
Transport Time: Transport the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours of collection.
Storage: If immediate transport is delayed, refrigerate the specimen (storage at room temperature is also acceptable for up to 24-48 hours depending on the lab protocol).
REFRIGERATED
Next Day
(RML)
Panel
MWAcBa, MWBaFr, MWCitX, MWEnBX, MWEnCX, MWEsCo, MWMoMo, MWPrVM, MWPsAe, MWCoag, MWStAu, MWStPy, MUKlOP, Corynebac
Antimicrobial Agents: Ideally, collect the specimen before starting any antimicrobial therapy, as the medication can interfere with the identification and recovery of pathogens.
Contamination: Surface organisms, surrounding skin flora, and non-viable tissue can contaminate the sample. Avoid touching the swab to gloves or other objects during collection.
Improper Storage/Transport: Delays in transport, use of an inappropriate container (like a dry swab or a tube without transport medium), or improper storage (e.g., freezing or prolonged ambient temperature) can affect organism viability and test results.
Aseptic Technique: Use an aseptic, non-touch technique throughout the procedure.
Wound Preparation:
Cleanse the area thoroughly with sterile normal saline to remove surface exudate, slough, necrotic debris, and previously applied topical antibiotics before sampling.
Do not take the specimen from pus or necrotic (dead) material, which primarily contains surface contaminants and dead bacteria.
Levine Technique (Recommended Method):
Identify a 1 cm² area of clean, viable wound tissue or the advancing margin of the lesion.
Rotate the swab across this area for 5 seconds while applying enough pressure to express fluid from the wound tissue. The swab should be saturated.
Safety: In case of any fluid splashes during collection, treat it as a blood and body fluid exposure and follow institutional safety protocols.
Sample Type Preference: While swabs are common, aspirates or tissue biopsies are often considered superior specimens, especially for deep wounds or suspected anaerobic infections. If an aspirate is collected, transfer it to a sterile tube or capped syringe (without a needle).
87640, 87798, 0370U
76585‑9, 6462‑6
