Swab Culture Test - Collection Instructions
Swabs are taken for culturing and analysis of bacterial and fungal infections. Sensitivity and resistance results as well as quantification of positive findings indicating intensity of infection are also included. The swab can be used for culturing stool, skin, urine, or any other body parts or secretions, blood can not be cultured. This test is highly recommended for patients with GI symptoms who have had negative stool tests for parasites, as the symptoms for pathogenic bacteria are very similar to those of parasitic infections. While many of the diagnosed intestinal bacteria are part of the normal flora of healthy individuals, all diagnosed intestinal bacteria include some highly pathogenic strains that need attention. For example, Escherechia coli with over 700 serotypes are considered by many practitioners as beneficial bacteria that cause no harm. The truth is many strains i.e., enterotoxigenic, enteroinvasive, enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic E. coli can cause serious pathology. The same is true for other bacterial infections diagnosed in the Swab Culture. Testing package is included.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SWAB CULTURE TEST
Objective
To culture and identify potential organisms, a swab sample must be collected from a single source. The sample can be taken from stool, urine, saliva, mucus, nasal passages, skin, or other bodily fluids (excluding blood).
Collection Instructions
- Prepare the Swab
- Carefully remove the test tube from its wrapper. Do not touch the cotton swab.
- Collect the Sample
- For stool culture: Dip and swirl the cotton swab in the stool while holding the rod by the stopper end. Do not insert the swab into the anal opening.
- For urine collection: Obtain a clean-catch, mid-stream urine sample and dip the swab into the sample.
- For other areas: Swab the area directly (e.g., saliva, mucus, nasal passages, or skin).
- Secure the Swab in the Test Tube
- Remove the lid of the test tube.
- Place the cotton swab end first into the test tube until it penetrates the culture medium at the bottom of the tube.
- Close the lid tightly to secure the sample.
- Label the Test Tube
- Clearly write your name, the site or source of the sample, and the date of collection on the label.
- Important: Use a separate test tube for each site or sample source.
- Storage and Shipping
- If immediate shipping is not possible, refrigerate the specimen until it can be shipped.
- Use a courier of your choice (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) to send the samples to:
- Ship the specimen to PCI with a 2-3 day delivery service
- Send to PCI 11445 E. Via Linda #2-419, Scottsdale, AZ 85259- This address is a UPS store..
- Shipment of samples is the responsibility of the patient. PCI does not provide return labels.
Results
- Results of swab tests will be available within 2–3 weeks of receipt of the sample (excluding weekends and holidays).
- Results will be sent to your physician or practitioner if you have one.
- If registered as a patient on our website, you will receive your results through the patient portal.
- If you still need to register, create a patient account on our website to access your results.
Key Reminders
- Only swab a single site or sample source per test tube.
- Do not touch the cotton swab to maintain sample integrity.
- Ship the specimen promptly and refrigerate if shipping is delayed.
For additional questions, visit the Contact Us section of www.parasitetesting.com.
