Deep wound culture, swab (Calgary/South)

Test Name:

Deep wound culture, swab (Calgary/South)

Organism(s)/Disease(s):

Boil
Cellulitis
Erysipelas (Streptococcal infection)
Erysipeloid
Folliculitis
Furunculosis
Impetigo
Pyoderma
Rash
Soft tissue infection
Sores
Surface wound
Ulcer.

Body Source(s):

Abscess
Abscess, deep
Multiple body sites

Clinical Prerequisite(s):

A deep wound swab is any culture collected from >2cm within the wound. If collected from =/< 2 cm, refer to Superficial wound culture swab (Calgary/South)

Collection Device/Tube Type:

Anaerobic transport system (PRAS or equivalent)
E-swab collection device
Swab in clear transport media

Specimen Requirement(s):

Skin and soft tissue infections preferred specimen types:
• Fluid - refer to Fluid culture (Calgary/South)
• Tissue - refer to Tissue culture (Calgary/South)

1. Collect specimen prior to antimicrobial therapy for greatest diagnostic sensitivity

2. Collect specimens for culture only from wounds that are:

· clinically infected

· non-healing

· chronically draining

· not responding to treatment

3. Collect swabs only if aspirates or tissues cannot be obtained

Collection Instructions:

1. Cleanse and debride the wound before collecting specimens for culture

2. Swab the exudate from the deep portion of the wound.

· If wound is relatively dry, then collect with a sterile swab (preferred: Dacron) moistened with sterile saline

· Rotate the swab tip over the area of clean granulation tissue. Use enough pressure to release exudate

· Repeat in other parts of the wound if needed

· DO NOT swab hard eschar or necrotic tissue

3. Carefully place swab back into the collection device without contaminated it.

Handling and Storage:

Room temperature

Handling/Storage Comments:

Transport to the testing laboratory as soon as possible after collection

Rejection Criteria:

Mislabelled or unlabelled specimen/requisition

Turnaround Times

See Microbiology Information»

Comments:

Specimens are cultured for aerobic bacteria and yeast. Anaerobic culture is also performed if appropriate, based on the specimen type and source

Last Reviewed:

06 May 2023