Wound culture
wound culture · wound swab · pus culture · wound infection test
A swab is taken from the wound with a sterile stick. The lab grows the germs and checks which medicines work on them.
When a wound heals slowly, has pus, is red or painful, or after surgery.
⏱ Duration: the swab takes 2 to 5 minutes; results usually come in 3 to 7 days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Ointments. Usually no ointments go on the wound before the swab. Ask your doctor when to do the last dressing change.
- Antibiotics. It is best to take the sample before antibiotics. Do not stop them on your own. Tell your doctor.
- Bandage. Do not remove the bandage at home. The nurse will take it off.
What to bring
- Your test request form
- Your ID
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- The nurse removes the bandage
- The wound is rinsed with a sterile solution
- A sterile swab is wiped over the base of the wound
- The swab goes into a tube
- A new bandage is put on the wound
What you'll feel
- Touching the wound may hurt. Tell the nurse
- It is usually quick
Afterwards
- Care for the wound as your doctor told you
- Results usually come in 3 to 7 days
- Based on the result, your doctor may change your medicine
Contact a doctor straight away if
- The wound quickly gets red and swollen, red streaks appear on the skin, or you get a fever: see a doctor the same day
- Strong weakness, chills, or confusion: call emergency services
Common questions
Why a culture if treatment has already started?
It shows exactly which germ is in the wound and which medicines work on it. That makes treatment more precise.
Can I put ointment on the wound before the test?
Usually not. The ointment can kill the germs, and the culture will show nothing. Ask your doctor.