Swab culture and sensitivity test in Chiswick

What the test measures

When an infection is suspected, a swab gently collects material from the affected area. In the laboratory the sample is placed on growth plates to see which bacteria, and sometimes fungi, are present. This is the culture part of the test. If a likely cause grows, it is then tested against a range of antibiotics to see which ones stop it. This is the sensitivity part.

The test is useful for wounds that are slow to heal, infected cuts or bites, skin infections, boils, sore throats and nasal carriage of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA. Because bacteria can be resistant to commonly used antibiotics, knowing the sensitivities helps a prescriber choose a treatment more likely to work and avoid unnecessary courses.

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 wound, cut or bite that is red, swollen or weeping and not healing well.
• You have a skin infection or boil that has come back after antibiotics.
• Your GP has asked for a swab before deciding on treatment.
• You need an MRSA screen, for example before a procedure or for work.
• You want to know whether a persistent sore throat has a bacterial cause.

Understanding your result

Your report lists any organisms grown and, where relevant, which antibiotics they are sensitive or resistant to. Skin and the nose naturally carry many harmless bacteria, so the laboratory notes which growth is likely to be significant. A result of no significant growth suggests bacteria are not the main cause, though recent antibiotics can stop bacteria growing. Your practitioner will explain the findings and share them with your GP if treatment is needed.

A swab result is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis. If a wound becomes hot, rapidly spreading or very painful, or you develop a fever or feel unwell, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting to be tested.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. Avoid cleaning the area with antiseptic, applying creams or changing a dressing in the few hours before your appointment, unless advised otherwise. If you have started antibiotics, tell us when you book, as ideally the swab is taken before treatment begins. Your practitioner will take the swab from the affected area.

For infections linked to the ear or eye, we offer a dedicated ear swab culture and eye swab culture. Recurrent skin infections can be linked to blood sugar, so our HbA1c tests may help. Browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a swab culture and sensitivity test in Chiswick?

The Swab Culture and Sensitivity test costs £99 at our Chiswick clinic. The price covers the swab, accredited laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Can you prescribe antibiotics from the result?

Your practitioner will review the result with you, and your GP or another prescriber can use the sensitivities to choose the right treatment.

Does this test cover sexually transmitted infections?

No. STIs need specific tests. Please see our STI options if that is your concern.

What does no significant growth mean?

It means no bacteria likely to be causing infection were grown. Symptoms may have a different cause, such as a virus or skin condition.