Nose swab for staphylococcal carriage screening
Microbiology
Notes
Screening is for Staphylococcus aureus only
- Isolates associated with recurrent boils/abscesses may be tested for Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)
- See also:
Sample requirements
Standard charcoal transport swab
Insert swab into nostrils
Place swab into transport medium
Required information
- Please indicate if sampling is for carriage or local infection
- Recurrent impetigo
- Known contact of Staphylococcus aureus carrier
Storage/transport
Store and transport at room temperature. Samples should be transported to the laboratory with minimal delay.
Turnaround time
Culture 1 - 3 days
PVL testing may take up to 2 weeks