PUS (wound) swab culture

Wound culture must be taken from clean tissue because pus or necrotic tissue will not provide an accurate profile of the microflora contained within the tissue

Sample type:

Deep-tissue biopsy: A deep-tissue or punch biopsy for a quantitative culture is the gold standard for identifying wound bioburden and diagnosing infection.

Uses:

The test is used to find out if a wound is infected. It can also see the type of organism that’s causing the infection. This test is done with a small sample of tissue or fluid from a wound

Precautions:

• Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment.

• Cover wounds with a bandage or gauze dressing.

• Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours.

• Wash your hands before and after you care for wound

Interfering Factors:

Wound healing can be delayed by factors local to the wound itself, including desiccation, infection or abnormal bacterial presence, maceration, necrosis, pressure, trauma, and edema.

Pre analytical errors:

1) Summary and Explanation of the Test

2) Test Principle

3) Specimen Collection and Handling

Corrective action:

Treating pus depends on how serious the infection causing it is. For small abscesses on your skin’s surface, applying a wet, warm compress can help drain pus. Apply the compress a few times a day for several minutes. Just make sure you avoid the urge to squeeze the abscess.

Post analytical errors:

1. Result released without being reviewed.

2. Wrong test done on specimen

3. Not all requested tests done