Obtain Swabs for Culture

Clinical and Testing Procedures

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Simulation
Quiz

This module provides a detailed explanation of how to prepare for and obtain swabs for culture from the back of the throat and from wounds.

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Medical assistants and nurses are often asked to take a wound swab or a throat swab for culture, for identifying potential bacterial or fungal infection. This module provides a detailed explanation of how to prepare for and obtain swabs for culture from the back of the throat and from wounds. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers two scenarios that test your ability to obtain a throat swabs and a wound swab for culture. Practice the steps of the procedures online as often as you want, until you feel confident. This module is based on the entry-level competencies for which the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) test the Medical Assistant.

You’ll learn

pre-procedure and post-procedure considerations for obtaining swabs
how to identify signs of wound infection
to visualize the key anatomical structures and cross section of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx
how to prepare for taking a swab for culture
to practice and perfect your skills in collecting a swab from the back of the throat, and collecting a wound specimen by either swabbing or aspirating
correct documentation and post-procedure requirements
relevant medical terminology
much more (see “content details” for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

Step 1.2 - Medical assistant preparation

Step 1.3 - Patient preparation

Step 2 - Obtain a throat swab

Step 3 - Obtain a wound specimen

Step 3.1 - Inspect the wound

Step 3.2 - Obtain a wound swab

Step 3.3 - Obtain a wound aspirate

Step 3.4 - Clean the wound

Step 4 - Complete the procedure

Describe pre-procedure considerations for obtaining a wound or throat swab.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for obtaining a wound or throat swab.
Identify signs of wound infection.
Describe and demonstrate how to collect a wound specimen safely and correctly by swabbing or aspirating.
Describe and demonstrate correct post-procedure considerations.
Define and demonstrate correct recording and reporting.
Understand and apply Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
Define and use related medical terminology.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long