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.
Tested at RD&E
24-72 Hours
Contact Microbiology if this is suspected
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/diphtheria-guidance-data-and-analysis
Specimen Labelling Procedure
9018
