What is the Wound Swab Test?

A wound swab test involves collecting a sample from an open wound, ulcer, or surgical site using a sterile swab. The sample is analysed in a laboratory to identify bacteria or fungi that may be causing infection.

This test is commonly used for chronic wounds, surgical wounds, pressure sores, diabetic ulcers, and traumatic injuries. It helps determine whether infection is present and which organisms are involved.

Wound swab testing is especially important when wounds fail to heal as expected or show signs of deterioration.

Why do I need a Wound Swab test?

Infected wounds can delay healing, spread to surrounding tissue, or lead to more serious complications. Visual inspection alone cannot reliably identify the cause of infection.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Redness, warmth, or swelling around a wound
• Pus, discharge, or unpleasant odour
• Increasing pain or tenderness
• Delayed or poor wound healing
• Wound breakdown after surgery
• Fever associated with a wound
• Recurrent or chronic ulcers

Testing helps confirm infection and supports appropriate clinical follow-up.

Benefits of the test

1. Identifies wound infection accurately
   Confirms whether bacteria or fungi are present.
2. Supports chronic wound assessment
   Useful for non-healing or long-standing wounds.
3. Distinguishes colonisation from infection
   Helps interpret whether organisms are clinically significant.
4. Guides further clinical evaluation
   Clear identification supports appropriate next steps.
5. Useful after surgery or injury
   Helps assess post-operative or traumatic wounds.
6. Quick and minimally invasive
   Swab collection is simple and well tolerated.
7. Applicable to many wound types
   Suitable for ulcers, surgical sites, and traumatic wounds.
8. Reduces complications
   Early detection helps prevent worsening infection.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

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

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

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

Your results explained

No growth (normal)

• No clinically significant organisms identified
• UK standard: No growth
• Suggests no active wound infection

Low-level growth / colonisation

• Small amounts of organisms detected
• UK standard: Scant growth / mixed skin flora
• May represent colonisation rather than infection

Positive (infection detected)

• Pathogenic organism identified
• UK standard: Organism reported by name
• Indicates active wound infection requiring clinical interpretation