Obtain Swabs for Culture

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

Materials Included:

  • text_iconText
  • video_iconVideo
  • anatomy_iconAnatomy
  • simulation_iconSimulation
  • quiz_iconQuiz

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  • Tracy Hagen
    Central Piedmont Community College
    I appreciate the excellent customer service that you all are providing, and our students are really enjoying SIMTICS!