Download - Let’s optimize patient care!
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
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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
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You can always cut off a piece and place in a STERILE container!
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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?
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Swabs don’t do the job
Let’s get the right diagnosis!
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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
