Types of Swabs in SGH


1. Dacron Swab without Media	2. Single eSwab with Amies Media	3. Double eSwab with Amies Media
Molecular microbiology tests, to be sent dry. E.g. respiratory viruses multiplex PCR. Viral antigen tests, to be sent in sterile saline. E.g. Respiratory virus antigen IF test. Viral isolation, to be sent in viral transport medium (VTM). E.g. Herpes simplex virus isolation.	Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures E.g. abscess, MRSA wound screening culture, VRE screening culture. Mycology cultures E.g. abscess, environmental sampling. CP-CRE Screening PCR Note: DO NOT swab chronic superficial wounds or sinus drainage as such cultures are not useful clinically - obtain a deep sample or biopsy for culture whenever possible.	MRSA Screening PCR of nose, axilla and groin only. ! Refer to instructions for MRSA Screening PCR Sample collection [pdf].