From Monday, 21st September we will be moving to new Copan ESwab® sample collection devices. After this time, the laboratory will be unable to process the current Amies blue top swabs (see the picture for reference).
Please note the new swabs should only be used from Monday, 21st September as they cannot be processed before this date.
There will be two types of swab for general cultures - pink and orange caps - that will replace the current blue top swabs:
|
Container description |
DO USE for: |
DO NOT use for: |
|
Pink top
|
General cultures (MC & S) from: Wounds, pus Nose Eye Throat Rectal Vaginal |
Chlamydia NAAT (PCR) Gonorrhoea NAAT (PCR) Trichomonas NAAT (PCR) Viral PCR |
|
Orange top
|
General cultures (M,C & S) from: Ears Urogenital tract (GC culture only) |
Chlamydia NAAT (PCR) Gonorrhoea NAAT (PCR) Trichomonas NAAT (PCR) Viral PCR |
This change is to allow the Centre for Laboratory Medicine (CfLM) to be able to process samples once the CHFT Microbiology service moves to the centre later this month as they use an automated platform (WASPlab) which requires liquid swabs. The use of this automated system improves the quality of setting up samples and efficiency within the laboratory leading to improved outcomes for patients.
As this represents a change from current practice, there are videos available to support:
- Pink top swab: biomerieux | Showpad
- Orange top swab: biomerieux | Showpad
Please share this information within your clinical teams.
