Many people travel to high-altitude destinations, meaning clinicians are often faced with questions about how to prevent and treat altitude illness. Update your knowledge with this New Zealand Society of Travel Medicine summary of updated evidence-based guidelines with comments by senior lecturer Jenny Visser – it outlines the best prophylactic regimens, diagnostic approaches and treatment protocols for acute altitude illness
Wound swab culture often adds little value – be mindful to use it only when indicated
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In print
FROM THE LAB
Wound swab culture often adds little value – be mindful to use it only when indicated
Wednesday 3 March 2021, 12:45 AM

Figure 1. Heavy pure growth of Staphylococcus aureus from an acute wound
Superficial wound cultures are among the most difficult to interpret in the laboratory, even when essential clinical details are supplied. This means swab samples should be reserved for specified clinical scenarios
Key points, Microbiological analysis of wound specimens should only be requested with an appropriate indication.
Pus aspirates and tissue samples are superior , Pract Green w Pale Yellow
References
- Marchand-Senécal X, Brasg IA, Kozak R, et al. Impact of rejection of low-quality wound swabs on antimicrobial prescribing: A controlled before–after study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020;8(1):ofaa609.
- Garcia LS, Isenberg HD. Clinical microbiology procedures handbook, 3rd edition. Washington, DC: ASM Press; 2010.
- BPACnz. Microbiological assessment of infected wounds: when to take a swab and how to interpret the results. 2013. https://bit.ly/3d1YQB4