Ear swab culture in Chiswick
An ear swab culture identifies the bacteria or fungi behind an ear infection and shows which treatments are likely to work. It is useful for discharging ears and infections that have not settled with drops.
What the test measures
Outer ear infections, known as otitis externa, affect the ear canal and are common in swimmers, people who use earbuds or hearing aids, and those with eczema. They can cause itching, pain, swelling and discharge. Middle ear infections sit behind the eardrum, and if the eardrum has burst or there is a grommet, discharge may also come out of the ear.
For this test a thin swab is gently placed at the entrance of the ear canal to collect discharge, without going deep inside. The laboratory grows any bacteria or fungi present and, for bacteria, checks which antibiotics they respond to. Common causes include Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus bacteria and fungi such as Aspergillus and Candida, and each needs different treatment, which is why identifying the cause can help when drops have not worked.
The price includes the swab taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You have discharge from your ear that has not cleared with treatment.
- Your ear infections keep coming back.
- You wear hearing aids or swim often and get repeated ear canal infections.
- You have an itchy, flaky ear canal and a possible fungal infection.
- Your GP has asked for a swab to guide treatment.
Understanding your result
Your report names any bacteria or fungi found in the ear and, for bacteria, the antibiotics likely to work. A fungal result suggests antifungal drops rather than antibiotics, which can sometimes make fungal infections worse. Growth of skin bacteria in small amounts may not be significant. A result of no growth may mean the infection has cleared, recent drops have suppressed growth or the cause is not bacterial or fungal.
Your result is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis. Seek urgent medical care if you have severe ear pain with fever, swelling or redness behind the ear, sudden hearing loss or weakness of the face.
Preparing for your test
No fasting is needed. If possible, avoid ear drops, sprays and cleaning the ear for 24 to 48 hours before the swab, and tell us if you are using antibiotic drops or tablets. Do not insert cotton buds into the ear. Your practitioner will take the swab gently from the opening of the ear canal.
Repeated ear canal infections can be linked to skin conditions and, sometimes, to blood sugar, so our HbA1c tests may be worth considering. If allergies make your ears itch, our allergy blood tests can help. See every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is an ear swab culture in Chiswick?
The Ear Swab Culture costs £139 at Omnia Lifestyle in Chiswick. It includes the swab, accredited laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report if requested.
Does the swab hurt?
No. The swab only touches the outer part of the ear canal, although it may feel tender if your ear is inflamed.
Why would I need a swab instead of just using drops?
Most ear infections improve with standard drops. A swab helps when they do not, because it shows whether a fungus or a resistant bacterium is involved.
Can this test check earwax?
No. It is designed to find infections. Earwax build-up is assessed by looking in the ear.
