How Is a Conjunctival Swab Performed?

A conjunctival swab is a procedure used to collect a sample from the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose certain eye infections or to screen for diseases such as conjunctivitis.

During a conjunctival swab, the healthcare professional will typically follow these steps:

• Preparation: The healthcare professional will wash their hands thoroughly and put on gloves to maintain hygiene.
• Patient positioning: The patient will be asked to sit or lie down comfortably with their head tilted back.
• Eye preparation: The healthcare professional may use a sterile solution or eye drops to clean the surface of the eye and remove any debris or discharge.
• Swab collection: Using a sterile cotton swab or a specialized swab designed for conjunctival sampling, the healthcare professional will gently touch the conjunctiva with the swab. They may roll the swab across the conjunctiva to collect an adequate sample.
• Swab preservation: After collecting the sample, the healthcare professional will carefully place the swab in a sterile container or transport medium to preserve the sample for laboratory analysis.

It is important to note that only trained healthcare professionals should perform a conjunctival swab to ensure accuracy and minimize any potential risks or discomfort. If you have any concerns or need further information, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider.