Eye swab (conjunctivitis)

Microbiology

Notes

• The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals. Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background.
• For the investigation of superficial bacterial eye infections
• The laboratory will routinely test for the presence of organisms causing ophthalmia neonatorum in neonates
• The laboratory will routinely test for the presence of Actinomyces in cases of canaliculitis
• For neonates investigation for Chlamydia infection is recommended
• See also:
  • Chlamydia trachomatis PCR
  • viral eye swab
  • corneal scrape
  • corneal graft
  • aqueous/vitreous fluid

Sample requirements

Standard charcoal transport swab

Evert lid and swab conjunctiva, removing any pus

Place swab into transport medium

Required information

• Conjunctivitis or other localised eye infection
• Presence of foreign body
• Recent surgery
• Canaliculitis
• Recent, current and intended antibiotics

Storage/transport

Store and transport at room temperature. Samples should be transported to the laboratory with minimal delay.

Turnaround time

2 - 4 days