Urethral swab culture in Chiswick

What the test measures

A thin swab is placed just inside the opening of the urethra for a few seconds. The laboratory cultures the sample to see which bacteria grow, and can identify organisms such as gonorrhoea, streptococci or gut bacteria. When a significant organism is found, sensitivity testing shows which antibiotics are likely to be effective.

Urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, can cause a discharge, burning when passing urine or an itch at the tip of the penis. Several infections can be responsible. Culture is good at growing bacteria, but chlamydia and Mycoplasma genitalium cannot be grown this way and need NAAT testing, so a culture is often used alongside those tests rather than instead of them.

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 a discharge from the urethra or burning when you pass urine.
• You have had a positive gonorrhoea NAAT and need sensitivity testing to guide treatment.
• Your urethral symptoms have continued after treatment.
• You would like to understand an ongoing irritation in a confidential setting.

Understanding your result

The report states whether a significant organism grew, names it, and lists antibiotic sensitivities where relevant. If no significant growth is reported, a bacterial cause that can be cultured is less likely, though infections that only show on NAAT testing are not excluded. Your practitioner explains the finding and whether treatment through a sexual health clinic or your GP is the right next step.

Any result is read in the context of your symptoms and recent sexual history. Timing matters: chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests are generally reliable about two weeks after possible exposure, and blood tests for HIV and syphilis have longer window periods, so your practitioner may suggest repeating a test later. If an infection is confirmed, recent partners may also need testing.

Preparing for your test

Try not to pass urine for at least two hours before your swab, as urinating can wash organisms away from the urethra. There is no need to fast. Tell us about any antibiotics you have taken in the past month, because they can prevent bacteria from growing and affect the finding.

For a wider sexual health check, the urine and swab tests on our STI testing page include NAAT testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and Urinalysis can look for signs of a urine infection. You can also view every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a urethral swab culture in Chiswick?

A urethral swab culture costs £139 at Omnia Lifestyle. This includes the swab at our Chiswick clinic, culture at the Randox accredited laboratory, a confidential practitioner review, and a GP feedback report if you ask for one.

Is a urethral swab better than a urine test?

They answer different questions. A urine NAAT is the standard test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, while a urethral culture grows bacteria and allows sensitivity testing. Your practitioner can help you decide which suits your symptoms.

How soon after sex can I test?

For bacterial infections such as gonorrhoea, testing is usually reliable from about two weeks after exposure. If you have symptoms, it is worth being seen sooner, and a repeat test may be suggested.

Will my partner need to be tested?

If a sexually transmitted infection is confirmed, recent partners are usually advised to test and, where appropriate, be treated, so that the infection is not passed back.