Let’s optimize patient care!

SWABS DON'T DO THE JOB Let’s optimize patient care!

Which would you send to the lab?

Which organisms do you want to know about? Swabs can only sample the surface Superficial Deep

Limitations of swabs Limitations of swabs • TB and fungus are not detected from swabs • Anaerobes grow poorly from swabs • TB and fungus are not detected from swabs • Anaerobes grow poorly from swabs 15 cc 1.5 cc 0.15 ml

Culture yield: direct specimen vs. swab Direct Swab Direct Swab

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

BEWARE...LARGER SAMPLES ARE NOT ALWAYS BETTER!!!! You can always cut off a piece and place in a STERILE container!

Do the Math... 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?

Let’s get the right diagnosis! Swabs don’t do the job

Inflammed appendix Biopsy/swab of decubitus ulcer Fecal contaminated specimens Garbage in, garbage out Lack of clinical utility

Thank you

Let’s optimize patient care!