Penile swab culture in Chiswick

What the test measures

A swab is wiped gently over the affected skin, usually the head of the penis or beneath the foreskin. The laboratory cultures the sample to grow and identify bacteria and yeasts, such as Candida or streptococci, that can cause balanitis. If a significant organism grows, sensitivity testing can show which treatments are likely to work.

Balanitis, or inflammation of the head of the penis, is common and is often linked to yeast, bacteria, irritant soaps or skin conditions. A culture helps when symptoms keep returning or have not cleared with standard treatment. It does not look for chlamydia, and it is not the main test for gonorrhoea, which are best checked with NAAT tests on a urine or swab sample.

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 redness, soreness or itching on the head of the penis or under the foreskin.
• You have a discharge or unpleasant smell from under the foreskin.
• You have been treated for balanitis and it has come back.
• You have diabetes or use medicines that make yeast infections more likely.
• You would like a confidential check of a skin symptom alongside sexual health testing.

Understanding your result

Your report names any organism that grew and states whether it is significant, with antibiotic or antifungal sensitivities where relevant. A finding of skin flora only means nothing that commonly causes infection was found. Your practitioner explains what the finding suggests and whether your GP or a sexual health clinic should be involved in treatment.

A culture is one part of the picture. Inflammation without an infection can come from irritants, eczema, psoriasis or other skin conditions, and an organism can sometimes be present without causing symptoms. If you are concerned about a sexually transmitted infection, remember window periods: chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests are usually reliable about two weeks after exposure, while syphilis and HIV blood tests need longer.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. Please avoid washing the area with antiseptic, applying creams or using antifungal treatment for 24 to 48 hours before your swab if you can, and tell us about any treatment you have used recently. We confirm how the swab is collected when you book.

For sexually transmitted infections, the tests on our STI testing page use the recommended NAAT and blood methods, and recurring yeast infections can be linked to blood sugar, checked with HbA1c. You can also see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a penile swab culture in Chiswick?

The penile swab culture costs £139 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes the sample, laboratory culture with sensitivities where needed, a confidential practitioner review, and a GP feedback report on request.

Does this swab test for chlamydia or gonorrhoea?

It is not designed to. Chlamydia cannot be grown on routine culture, and gonorrhoea is best detected with a NAAT test. Our STI tests are the better choice if you are worried about an infection after sex.

Is the appointment confidential?

Yes. Your result is shared with you and discussed privately. A GP feedback report is only produced if you ask for one.

What if the swab grows nothing?

A negative culture suggests an infection is less likely, and your practitioner may discuss other causes such as irritation or a skin condition, or suggest a review with your GP if symptoms continue.