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Rectal swab is a test performed when there is a suspicion of a bacterial gastrointestinal infection or pinworm. The swab is taken with a special swab. The removed exfoliated rectal cells are then viewed under a microscope. A swab around the anus is taken with a special adhesive tape.
Why is a rectal swab taken?
Rectal swab is a non-invasive test. It is a simple and painless way to diagnose various pathological conditions. During the examination, secretions and excretions from organs are assessed. The collected sample is checked for exfoliated anal epithelial cells, microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) and chemicals.
To collect a rectal swab, you will need a swab that will allow you to collect the material for the test. The exfoliated epithelium is placed on a glass slide (for microscopic evaluation) or on a special medium that allows the cultivation of microorganisms.
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What are the indications for a rectal smear?
A rectal swab is ordered when:
- based on the symptoms reported by the patient, the doctor suspects gastrointestinal infections;
- the doctor suspects bacterial dysentery;
- the patient got botulism;
- it is not possible to collect a stool sample;
- doctor suspects Shigella infection;
- the doctor suspects the presence of nematode eggs in the stool, i.e. human pinworm – then a swab from the area of the anus is taken;
- there is an infection with group B streptococci – then a swab from the area of the anus is taken.
During pregnancy, vaginal and rectal swabs are taken to be tested for streptococcus (GBS smear). It is the basic test performed before the birth.
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Are there any contraindications for rectal swabs?
There are no contraindications for rectal swabs. However, it should be remembered that improperly performed examination may lead to complications. A complication after taking a smear is damage to the rectal mucosa. Its cause may be too intensive handling of the swab or lack of skill and skill while taking the swab. It is very important to be careful and gentle during the examination.
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How is a rectal swab performed and how to prepare for it?
Taking a rectal swab does not require proper preparation. If we want to take a swab around the anus and suspect the presence of human pinworms, it is recommended to collect the swab in the morning. At this time of day, the sick person feels the greatest discomfort, and the pinworms are most active. It is important not to take extra care of your intimate hygiene on this day as it may distort the test result.
To perform a rectal swab, you need to purchase a special swab from a pharmacy, which is intended for taking rectal swabs. The swab must be sterile.
We take the swab out of the packaging only on the day of the examination. Then we have to crouch down and insert the stick gently into the rectum. The swab must pass through the external sphincter, which means that we must insert it to a depth of approx. 4-5 cm for an adult, and approx. 1-2 cm for children. Importantly, a rectal swab in the case of children is always taken by parents or other authorized adults.
Once the swab is in the anus, rub the rectal mucosa with circular movements to collect the material for examination.
A well-collected sample will contain mucosal cells, and there should be traces of feces on the swab. After collecting the sample, gently remove the swab and place it in the tube with the transport medium.
The test tube is labeled with the name and date of collection. The sample should then be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Taking a swab from the area of the anus is recommended in the case of suspected infection with nematodes, i.e. usually with human pinworm. In this case, the test sample should also be taken in the morning. The swab is taken with a special test tube, which consists of a glass slide and adhesive tape. It can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Also, do not clean the perianal area and do not perform any physiological procedures before taking a rectal swab. To take a swab, crouch and, if necessary, open your buttocks. Then peel off the adhesive from the slide and stick it with the sticky side several times around the anus.
Then, stick the adhesive side to the slide with the sticky side and place it in a protective container. The sample must be accurately labeled and delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
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What is the cost of having a rectal swab?
The patient can take a rectal swab at home. For this you will need a suitable kit purchased from a pharmacy. A swab is required to perform a rectal swab. The cost of a swab is about PLN 1-2. If the doctor has ordered us to swab the anus in the direction of, for example, human pinworm, he must purchase a plaster, which can be obtained free of charge from the doctor ordering the test or in the laboratory.
If we have a referral for an examination from a GP, we can perform a rectal swab free of charge. If the test is performed privately, its cost is about PLN 40, depending on the laboratory. You need to wait about 3-4 days for the result.
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