Bacterial culture for the isolation and identification of Corynebacterium diphtheriae & Corynebacterium ulcerans.
Diagnosis of / investigation for Diptheria / Cutaneous Diptheria
Throat & Wound Swab
Charcoal transwab
Consult Microbiologist immediately if suspected clinically. Do not remove membrane if present – there is a danger of asphyxiation. Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease and is now exceedingly rare in England & Wales (<10 cases per year). All recent cases have been associated with foreign travel, or contact with an overseas person, or laboratory-acquired.
Send wound swab if “tropical” travel associated skin ulceration, and write travel details on request form.
Processed locally at RD&E
Any isolates will be sent to a reference laboratory for confirmation and toxigenicity testing.
Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit – UKHSA Colindale
24-72 Hours (for initial culture)
Contact Microbiology if this is suspected
For Patients:
For Healthcare Professionals:
Diptheria: Guidance, data and analysis – UKHSA
Specimen Labelling Procedure
9018
