Collection of material for microbiological examination (swab with medium)

Microbiological tests can confirm or disprove the presence of infectious agents in the body with a high degree of accuracy and precision. It is also an effective way of determining the level of sensitivity of isolated micro-organisms to antibiotics.

The material to be tested can be biological fluids, solid stool fragments, mucosal smears or tissue biopsy samples obtained through endoscopic or other invasive examinations. Microbiological examination methods place importance on the correct and timely collection of material for analysis to ensure the validity of results. 

A tampon with transport medium is used if the biomaterial taken for analysis requires further transport to the laboratory where the examination is to be carried out.

Preparation for microbiological testing (bacterial inoculation):

1. Exclude antimicrobial medications prior to biomaterial sampling, if not administered for life-threatening indications. Administration of morning medications, manipulations connected with application of antibiotics and antiseptics are performed only after collection of biomaterial;

2.Microbiological examination is not recommended if a course of antibiotic treatment is in progress.  The examination should be carried out before the course or after 4 weeks after the last treatment, unless otherwise advised by the doctor.