Microbiology Wounds

WOUNDS

Specimen Type

Wound - pus sample or swab

Optimal time of specimen collection

Before antimicrobial therapy where possible

Correct specimen type and method of collection

Samples of pus are preferred to swabs. Ideally, a minimum of 1 ml of pus should be sent. If swabs are used, sample the deepest part of the wound trying to avoid the superficial microflora.

Swabs should be well soaked in pus. Swabbing dry crusted areas is unlikely to be helpful. Use Routine swab and Amies transport media with charcoal.

If specimens are taken from ulcers, the debris on the ulcer should be removed, the ulcer cleaned with saline, and ideally a biopsy, or a needle aspiration of the edge of the wound taken.

Quantity and number of specimens

One from each wound site

Laboratory analysis

Routine: Microscopy: culture for B-haemolytic streptococci, staphylococci and yeasts.

Transport

Promptly to laboratory; refrigerate if any delay.

Pus samples would have extended incubation for anaerobic bacteria.

	Specimen Type	Wound - pus sample or swab
	Optimal time of specimen collection	Before antimicrobial therapy where possible
	Correct specimen type and method of collection	Samples of pus are preferred to swabs. Ideally, a minimum of 1 ml of pus should be sent. If swabs are used, sample the deepest part of the wound trying to avoid the superficial microflora. Swabs should be well soaked in pus. Swabbing dry crusted areas is unlikely to be helpful. Use Routine swab and Amies transport media with charcoal. If specimens are taken from ulcers, the debris on the ulcer should be removed, the ulcer cleaned with saline, and ideally a biopsy, or a needle aspiration of the edge of the wound taken.
	Quantity and number of specimens	One from each wound site
	Laboratory analysis	Routine: Microscopy: culture for B-haemolytic streptococci, staphylococci and yeasts.
	Transport	Promptly to laboratory; refrigerate if any delay.