Send tissues and fluids for best results

Let’s optimize patient care!

Send tissues and fluids for best results

Send tissues and fluids for best results

Which organisms do you want to know about?

Superficial

Deep

Swabs can only sample the surface

Send tissues and fluids for best results

Limitations of swabs

• TB and fungus are not detected from swabs

• Anaerobes grow poorly from swabs

15 cc

1.5 cc

0.15 ml

Limitations of swabs

• TB and fungus are not detected from swabs

• Anaerobes grow poorly from swabs

Send tissues and fluids for best results

Culture yield: direct specimen vs. swab

Direct SwabSwabDirect

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Swabs still play a role….

• Throat swabs to detect Group A Strep

• Vaginal swabs for detecting causes of vaginitis

• Vaginal/rectal swabs for Group B Streptococcus detection

• Infection Control surveillance swabs

Send tissues and fluids for best results

You can always cut off a piece and place in a STERILE container!

Send tissues and fluids for best results

An effective culture from a sterile site requires 5 plates, a broth and a gram stain, if you have 10 bacteria on the swab what are the chances that you will get the result you are looking for?

Send tissues and fluids for best results

Swabs don’t do the job

Let’s get the right diagnosis!

Send tissues and fluids for best results

Lack of clinical utility

– Inflammed appendix

– Biopsy/swab of decubitus ulcer

– Fecal contaminated specimens

– Garbage in, garbage out

Send tissues and fluids for best results

Send tissues and fluids for best results

Thank you