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A swab is a microbiological test that is performed to determine the presence of a specific pathogenic microorganism on a given surface of the human body. The swabs are most often taken from the surface of the throat, nose, vagina and anus. It is also possible to perform e.g. dermatological swabs of skin lesions. The sample is analyzed by culture and smear.
What is a swab?
A swab is a microbiological test which consists in taking a sample of physiological fluid in order to test it under laboratory conditions. Fungi, bacteria, exfoliated epithelial cells or specific chemicals are looked for in the sample. The swab can be used to collect a sample of excreta (urine or faeces), mucus or secretions from various organs. The material taken with a smear is examined by culture or smear.
Inoculation means that after taking the smear, the sample is applied to a properly prepared medium with a culture medium, on which the multiplication of microorganisms (fungi or bacteria) takes place. If there are more of them, it is easier to clearly determine their type.
On the other hand, a smear consists in transferring a material sample to a slide and its observation under a microscope.
What are the indications for a smear test?
A swab is performed when there are symptoms that indicate that the body is infected with pathogens. They can be viruses, bacteria, fungi or protozoa. Symptoms that may indicate the need for a smear include:
- burning and itching of intimate parts;
- vaginal discharge;
- lower abdominal pain;
- chronic throat infection.
The decision to refer for a smear is always made by the doctor and his aim is to make or confirm the diagnosis.
The most common swabs are vaginal, rectal, nasal and throat swabs.
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How is a throat swab performed?
A throat swab is usually taken at the beginning of an infection, i.e. before antibiotics are given or 5 days after stopping treatment.
Throat swab is taken in the morning. It is important to perform the test on an empty stomach and rinse your throat with boiled water immediately before taking the smear. You must not brush your teeth before swabbing your throat and be sure to remove your dentures.
The throat and other parts of the mouth are swabbed using a disposable sterile spatula. To collect the material, rub the epithelium of the throat, tonsils, cheeks or mouth with a sterile spatula. After collecting the swab, break off the tip of the stick and place the sample in a glass test tube.
This smear is performed especially in the case of suspicion of bacterial angina or influenza.
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How is a nasal swab taken?
Nasal swabs are also taken during various infections. Remember not to apply ointment or nasal drops immediately before taking the smear. Also, do not clear the nose of secretions.
Taking a nasal swab is similar to taking a throat swab. The said spatula is placed in the nasal cavity. First, one spatula is placed in one hole, then the other is placed in the other hole. Each one should be placed in a separate test tube and accurately described.
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What does vaginal and urethral smear sampling look like?
Genital swabs, i.e. from the vagina and urethra should be collected either at the beginning of the infection, or at the time of exacerbation of symptoms, if it is a chronic infection. Swabs are not collected during antibiotic therapy. Before taking a smear, it is necessary to give up sexual intercourse 3 days before the scheduled examination. You should also not use bactericidal hygiene measures, and you should not urinate 2-3 hours before the examination.
The procedure for taking a swab is similar to the procedure for taking a throat or nose swab. The swab is taken in the gynecological office on the gynecological chair. Again, the swab is taken with a sterile stick, rubbing it against the vaginal wall or foreskin. In women, it is common to collect two swabs from the vagina and the cervical canal simultaneously, i.e. a cytology. A Pap smear is taken with a special brush that collects epithelial cells.
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How is a rectal swab taken?
Rectal swabs are taken to confirm various infections of the digestive system with pathogenic bacteria and in case of suspicion of infection with parasites (e.g. pinworms). Importantly, before taking the smear, you should not wash the area of the anus with hygienic agents with a bactericidal effect. The swab is taken in the morning. The patient takes a swab on his own, using a special kit purchased at a pharmacy.
Rectal swabs are collected like other swabs. We need a special sterile swab for this. It is inserted carefully 4-5 cm for adults and 1-2 cm for children, so that the tip passes through the external sphincter. Then we make several circular movements along the walls of the rectal mucosa.
After collecting the material for testing, gently take the swab out and place it in the container. The swab should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible. It is very important to take the swab gently as it may damage the lining of the anus. There should be epithelial cells and stools on the tip of the swab.
A swab from the area of the anus towards, for example, pinworms is performed using a special slide with adhesive tape. We prepare for the examination similarly to the rectal swab. Remove the adhesive tape from the slide and stick it to the area of the anus several times. Then we stick to the slide again.
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How do we smear skin lesions?
A swab of skin lesions is performed as part of dermatological diagnostics. Acne lesions, boils or ulcers may be examined. The condition for improving the taken smear is not to apply any care cosmetics or ointments to the lesions. The skin should be clean and not covered with makeup. It should also not be washed with disinfecting liquids.
The swab is taken directly from the skin. It is enough to rub the affected area with a cotton pad.
How to interpret the swab results?
Unfortunately, after taking each of the swabs, we should not interpret their results on our own. Always show the results to the doctor who ordered the tests. The results may indicate or exclude the presence of specific pathogenic microorganisms, therefore professional consultation is necessary.
The smear results show a microscopic description of the discharge according to a predetermined scheme. It includes grades that are specific to the patient’s condition. It should be remembered that the results of the smear will be obtained faster than the results of the culture.
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