All procedures
GMC #11/Diagnostic procedures taught from Y3
Swabbing (nose, throat, skin, wound)
Use the correct technique to apply sterile swabs to the nose, throat, skin and wounds; correct containers, labelling and prompt dispatch.
Target · Perform independently0% ready
Do it yourself on a patient, with support available if you need it — the GMC’s highest new-grad level (“indirect supervision”).
Overview
Site-specific technique + correct transport medium + prompt dispatch are what score.
Indications
- MRSA screening (nose/perineum)
- Suspected wound infection
- Sore throat / suspected strep
- Viral testing (nasopharyngeal)
Equipment
Sterile swab + appropriate transport medium (bacterial/viral)Gloves; request form
Step by step
Technique by site
- 1Throat: swab the tonsils/posterior pharynx, avoiding the tongue and cheeks
- 2Nasal: insert 2–3 cm, rotate against the mucosa
- 3Nasopharyngeal (viral): pass along the floor of the nose to the nasopharynx, rotate, hold briefly
- 4Wound: rotate over the wound bed in a zig-zag (Levine technique) — not just the surface slough
After
- 1Place in the correct medium; label; send promptly (viral samples especially)
OSCE tips
- Correct site technique is the marked point (avoid the tongue for throat swabs).
- Right transport medium for the organism sought.
- Label and send promptly.
Read
Sources & credits
Authored to UK finals standard and verified against UK guidance (NICE · BNF · Resuscitation Council UK · BTS) and Geeky Medics OSCE guides . Southampton teaching materials © University of Southampton. Always follow current local policy.