Transcript SWABS DON`T DO THE JOB 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?
Swabs can only
sample the surface
Superficial
Deep
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Limitations of swabs
Limitations of swabs
• TB and fungus are
from are not detected from
• not
TBdetected
and fungus
swabs
swabs
• Anaerobes grow
• Anaerobes grow poorly from swabs
poorly from swabs
15 cc
1.5 cc
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0.15 ml
Culture yield: direct specimen
vs. swab
Direct
Swab
Direct
Swab
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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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Let’s get the right diagnosis!
Swabs don’t do the job
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Lack of clinical utility
– Inflammed appendix
– Biopsy/swab of decubitus
ulcer
– Fecal contaminated
specimens
– Garbage in, garbage out
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Send tissues and fluids for best results
Thank you
Send tissues and fluids for best results