Nasal swab culture in Chiswick

What the test measures

A small swab is rotated gently just inside each nostril. At the laboratory the sample is placed on culture media that encourage bacteria to grow, and any organism that appears is identified. Sensitivity testing can then show which antibiotics would work.

The nose is a common place for Staphylococcus aureus to live without causing harm, and a positive culture often means carriage rather than active infection. Carriage matters because it can be linked with recurrent boils, skin infections and infection after an operation, and some hospitals ask for a nasal screen for MRSA before admission.

The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have recurring boils, impetigo or skin infections and want to know whether you carry Staphylococcus aureus.
• You have a sore, crusted or weeping area inside the nose that has not settled.
• You are preparing for a planned procedure and have been asked about MRSA status.
• Your GP or another clinician has suggested a nasal swab to guide treatment.

Understanding your result

Your report states whether any significant organism grew and names it. If bacteria are found, the report may list antibiotic sensitivities. A finding of normal nasal flora means nothing unexpected grew. Your Omnia practitioner explains what the finding means for you, whether it suggests carriage or infection, and whether treatment from your GP or a specialist should be considered.

A positive culture is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis on its own. Many people carry Staphylococcus aureus with no symptoms at all, and decolonisation treatment is usually only advised in specific situations, such as before surgery or when infections keep coming back. If you have a fever, rapidly spreading redness or swelling around the nose or eyes, seek urgent advice through NHS 111 or A&E rather than booking a test.

Preparing for your test

There is no need to fast. Please avoid nasal sprays, ointments and antiseptic nasal creams on the day of your swab, and let us know if you have used an antibiotic or decolonisation cream in the past few weeks, as this can stop bacteria growing in the culture.

If skin infections keep returning, a Full Blood Count or blood sugar check through HbA1c can look for factors that make infections more likely. You can also browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a nasal swab culture in Chiswick?

A nasal swab culture costs £139 at Omnia Lifestyle. That covers the swab taken at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory culture with sensitivity testing where relevant, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report if you would like one.

Does a positive nasal swab mean I have an infection?

Not necessarily. Staphylococcus aureus commonly lives in the nose without causing illness. Your practitioner reads the finding alongside your symptoms to judge whether it points to carriage or to an active infection.

Can this swab check for MRSA?

Yes, the culture can identify Staphylococcus aureus and the sensitivity testing shows whether it is resistant to the antibiotics that define MRSA. If a hospital has asked for a specific MRSA screen, check whether they need their own sample.

Does it detect viruses such as colds or flu?

No. A culture grows bacteria and some fungi. Respiratory viruses need a different type of test, so this swab is not suitable for checking for a cold, flu or COVID-19.