Male genital tract sample culture (urethral, penile)
Microbiology
Notes
![neisseria gonorrhea](https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/media/images/Neisseria_gonorrhea.width-800.jpg)
- 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:
Sample requirements
![Black top charcoal swab](https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/media/images/Black_top_charcoal_swab.width-500.jpg)
Penile samples:
Standard charcoal transport swab
![Dry swab red cap](https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/media/images/Dry_swab_red_cap.width-500.jpg)
Urethral samples:
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