main-img_labref.jpg

Microbiology


Full details for "Ear swab".  

Name

 Ear swab

Alternative name/Profile

 Otitis externa / Acute diffuse bacterial external otitis / external otitis / chronic suppurative otitis media / Acute localised otitis externa / Acute diffuse otitis externa / swimmer's ear / Chronic otitis externa / Malignant otitis externa / Otitis media / Acute otitis media / Chronic suppurative otitis media / otomycosis / contact dermatitis / necrotizing otitis externa

Department

 Microbiology

Investigation

Specimen type

 Pus or exudates are always preferable to a swab. If insufficient for collection, swab any pus or exudate.

Sample type

Sample container & volume

 Sterile Universal container or transwab plain

Frequency of analysis

 Daily

Turnaround time

 4 days

Availability

 Monday - Sunday

Notes

Where possible specimen collection should occur before antimicrobial therapy and always when pus or exudate is present.

Respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza viruses have been isolated from middle ear effusions and may have a role in the aetiology of otitis media especially in children. Use a "Green top" Viral culture swab if indicated.
 
Mycotic infection of the ear is a superficial, chronic or subacute infection of the external auditory canal.  Fungal infection accounts for two to ten percent of cases of otitis externa, and most frequently occurs after treatment of bacterial infection. Superficial infection with candida occurs more commonly in patients who use hearing aids. For investigation of fungal infection, scrapings of material from the ear canal are preferred although swabs can also be used.

Send sample to the laboratory without delay. Sample should be refrigerated if not transported immediately

Related links

Investigation of ear infections and associated specimens

Reference range

Last updated

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 15:54:46 IST


Section menu