What is the Eye Swab Test?

An eye swab test involves collecting a small sample of discharge or cells from the surface of the eye using a sterile swab. The sample is analysed in a laboratory to identify bacterial or viral organisms causing infection.

This test is commonly used to investigate conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, and other ocular infections. It helps distinguish between infectious and non-infectious causes of eye inflammation.

Eye swab testing is particularly valuable when symptoms are severe, recurrent, or not responding to initial treatment.

Why do I need an Eye Swab test?

Eye infections can spread quickly, affect vision, or become chronic if not properly identified. Many eye conditions share similar symptoms, making laboratory testing important for accurate diagnosis.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Red or inflamed eyes
• Eye discharge or crusting
• Pain or discomfort in the eye
• Itching or burning sensation
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Recurrent or persistent eye infections
• Eye symptoms affecting one or both eyes

Testing helps identify the cause and supports appropriate clinical follow-up.

Benefits of the test

1. Accurate infection identification
   Determines the cause of ocular symptoms.
2. Differentiates bacterial and viral causes
   Supports appropriate management decisions.
3. Useful for persistent symptoms
   Helps when symptoms do not resolve as expected.
4. Protects eye health and vision
   Early identification reduces risk of complications.
5. Non-invasive procedure
   Quick and gentle sampling process.
6. Supports treatment review
   Helps assess why symptoms may be recurring.
7. Useful for unilateral or bilateral symptoms
   Applies to infections in one or both eyes.
8. Reduces unnecessary interventions
   Avoids misclassification of eye conditions.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• A clinician takes an eye swab
• Sample is sent to the laboratory
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Book a mobile clinician
• Eye swab taken at your home or hotel
• No clinic visit required
• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

Negative (no infection detected)

• No pathogens identified
• UK standard: Not detected
• Suggests symptoms may be non-infectious

Low-level detection

• Small quantities of organisms identified
• UK standard: Low positive / equivocal
• May reflect early or resolving infection

Positive (infection detected)

• Pathogen identified from the eye sample
• UK standard: Organism reported by name
• Indicates active ocular infection