Male genital tract sample culture (urethral, penile)

Microbiology

Notes

• Routine examination of urethral and penile swabs includes culture for Candida, beta-haemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus and gonococci
• Penile swabs are also cultured for anaerobes
• Urethral swabs can be examined for Trichomonas vaginalis on request
• See also:
  • Chlamydia trachomatis PCR
  • Herpes simplex PCR viral swab
  • Female genital tract samples (HVS, endocervical, vulval)

Sample requirements

Penile samples:

Standard charcoal transport swab

Urethral samples:

Plain wire swab

Place swab into transport medium

Wire swabs must be returned in a tube of charcoal transport medium

Fastidious organisms will nor survive on dry swabs

Required information

• Relevant clinical details:
  • Suspected STI
  • Balanitis, balanoposthitis
  • Epididymitis, orchitis
  • Urethral catheterisation
  • Recent surgery
• Current or recent antibiotic therapy

Storage/transport

Store and transport at room temperature

Turnaround time

2 - 4 days