Final answer:
To obtain a wound swab for culture and sensitivity, a sterile swab is used to collect a sample from the wound, which is then cultured on TSA agar to identify bacteria and test their antibiotic sensitivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
To obtain a wound swab for culture and sensitivity, one must follow a series of aseptic procedures to ensure the sample is uncontaminated. Initially, a sterile swab and a tube of sterile distilled water are required. With the swab, the wound should be rubbed back and forth firmly to collect a specimen. The specimen is then streaked over a TSA agar plate, which encourages bacterial growth for further analysis under a microscope or by biochemical processes.
Under the microscope, a wet mount of the specimen may reveal bacterial shape, arrangement, and mobility, but a culture allows for the identification of specific bacteria and their sensitivity to antibiotics. Clinical practices, such as the one where a sample from a purulent lesion is taken to test for the presence of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, give insight into the potential bacteria causing an infection. An improper wound swab can lead to inaccurate diagnosis and treatment, which is why the use of aseptic techniques and appropriate protocols is essential.