Culture - Skin Swab LIS Code: C: Skin
Detect infections with wound, throat, skin, nasal, oral, ear, eye, and genital swab cultures.
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About this test
What is a Culture Skin Swab?
A culture skin swab involves collecting a sample from the skin to help diagnose infections or other underlying medical conditions.
How the Test is Conducted
The collected sample is placed in a laboratory growth medium that encourages the development of any microorganisms present on the skin.
Purpose of the Test
This test helps identify the specific bacteria or fungi responsible for the infection, allowing healthcare providers to select the most suitable treatment.
Common Uses
Skin swab cultures are often used to diagnose infections such as:
Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
Ringworm (a fungal skin infection)
Target Organisms
The test typically targets:
Staphylococcus aureus
Candida species
Streptococcus of Lancefield group A
Pseudomonas species
Other organisms that may be significant if found in pure growth