Nose swab
Clinical Indications
None
Test Includes
Culture for potential pathogens
Request Form
Request via ICE
Availability
On request during normal working hours
Specific Criteria
If whooping cough (pertussis) is suspected, per-nasal
swabs must be submitted. Special swabs are available from
the Pathology Department on request.
Please give detailed clinical information, including date of
onset/contact with the suspected infection, and any current, or
intended, antibiotic therapy
Turnaround Time
48 hours for a negative (no pathogens isolated) report; 72 hours
if potential pathogens require identification and antibiotic
sensitivity testing; 5 days for a per-nasal swab
Specimen
Bacterial culture swab in transport medium (see also Specific
Criteria)
Container
Special conditions
In suspected influenza where nose and throat swabs are
required these must be collected using special green 'Virocult'
swabs
Collection
Samples should be transported to laboratory immediately
Causes for Rejection
Unlabelled / inadequately labelled sample
Delay in sample reaching laboratory
Lab Handling
Samples should be processed as soon as possible