Wound swab culture often adds little value – be mindful to use it only when indicated

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FROM THE LAB

Wound swab culture often adds little value – be mindful to use it only when indicated

3 March 2021

By Aaron Keene

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

Investigations

Infectious Disease

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

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