LECTURE 10 (Swabs)

Question 1

How are swab samples used?

Answer 1

• To identify microorganisms in suspected infection
• As part of a screening programme to identify patients who are carrying pathogens without showing symptoms

Question 2

What is Swab sampling and what are the indications?

Answer 2

A simple, non-invasive and cost-effective method of culturing in clinical practice

INDICATIONS:
- clinical signs of infections (e.g pain, redness, inflammation, heat, pus and odour)
- signs of systemic infection or has pyrexia (fever) of unknown origin
- as part of a screening program

Question 3

When should swabs be taken from the rectum?

Answer 3

If specimen is suspected for threadworms
[take swab from the perianal area]

Question 4

Which position do you place the patient in for a vaginal swab?

Answer 4

Lithotomy position

Question 5

What is the difference in performing a low vaginal swab and a high vaginal swab?

Answer 5

LOW VAGINAL SWAB:
insert swab into lower part of vagina + rotate gently and firmly

HIGH VAGINAL SWAB:
separate labia + moisten speculum with warm water/lubricant and insert in vagina + use sterile swab high in vaginal vault

Question 6

When sampling the penis, what must you ensure?

Answer 6

That the patient should not have passed urine for at least 1 hour

Question 8

What are Penile sheaths?

Answer 8

External devices made from a soft and flexible latex or silicone tubing which are applied over the penis to direct urine into a urinary bag from where it can be conveniently emptied

COMMON PROBLEMS: fitting, leaking, kinking, falling off, allergies, UTIs

Question 9

What are the indications and contraindications of Penile sheaths?

Answer 9

INDICATIONS:
- relieve incontinence when all other methods have failed

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- men with very small/retracted penises, sensitive skin and allergies

Question 10

How should Penile sheaths be measured?

Answer 10

• In the flaccid state
• By measuring the girth of the penile shaft