Eye swab culture in Chiswick
An eye swab culture grows bacteria from a sticky or discharging eye and checks which treatments work against them. It is helpful when conjunctivitis lasts longer than expected or keeps returning.
What the test measures
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies. Bacterial conjunctivitis often causes a sticky yellow or green discharge and eyelids that are stuck together in the morning, while viral and allergic types tend to cause watery, itchy eyes. Many cases settle on their own within a week or two.
For this test a soft swab is gently wiped along the inside of the lower eyelid to collect discharge. The laboratory grows any bacteria present and checks which antibiotics they respond to. Identifying the organism is useful when symptoms persist, keep returning or have not responded to standard drops. This test looks for bacteria and does not detect viruses or chlamydia, which need specific tests.
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 a sticky, discharging eye that has lasted more than two weeks.
- Your conjunctivitis has not improved with antibiotic drops.
- You keep getting episodes of bacterial conjunctivitis.
- You have eyelid inflammation, called blepharitis, with discharge.
- Your GP or optometrist has suggested a swab to guide treatment.
Understanding your result
Your report lists any bacteria grown and, where relevant, the antibiotics they are sensitive or resistant to. Small amounts of normal skin bacteria are common and may not be significant. No growth may suggest a viral or allergic cause, or that recent drops have suppressed growth. Your practitioner will explain what was found and share it with your GP or optometrist if treatment is needed.
The result is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis. If you have a painful red eye, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or you wear contact lenses and your eye is painful, seek same-day care from an eye casualty or A&E rather than booking a swab.
Preparing for your test
No fasting is needed. Try not to clean away discharge or use eye drops for a few hours before your appointment, and tell us about any drops or ointment you have used recently. Remove contact lenses and bring your glasses. The swab is wiped gently along the inner lower eyelid and takes only a moment.
If itchy, watery eyes suggest allergy rather than infection, our allergy blood tests, including hay fever panels, can help. For other infections, see our STI tests, which include chlamydia. Browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is an eye swab culture in Chiswick?
The Eye Swab Culture costs £139 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes the swab, accredited laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.
Is the eye swab uncomfortable?
Most people find it painless. The swab touches only the inner surface of the lower eyelid, not the eye itself.
Does this test detect viral conjunctivitis?
No. It is a bacterial culture. Viral conjunctivitis usually settles on its own, and your practitioner can advise if another test is needed.
Should I stop wearing contact lenses?
Yes, avoid wearing them until your eye has fully recovered, and seek urgent care if a contact lens wearer has a painful eye.
