Commercially available transport media offer a cheap and effective method to enable the culture of both aerobic and anaerobic micro‐organisms. Wound swabbing most frequently involves the use of a cotton‐ or alginate‐tipped swab, although these have been found to inhibit the detection of certain bacteria (Faoagali [60]). Despite being more expensive, flocked nylon swabs now provide a sensitive collection method for culture, rapid and near‐patient testing, and molecular detection of a variety of bacteria and viruses. This is because of their ability to absorb cells and then release them effectively to increase the sensitivity of detection of infecting microbes (Faoagali [60]). If unsure, the practitioner should liaise with the microbiology laboratory to clarify which is the most suitable swab for a particular investigation or type of specimen.

It may be necessary to position the patient in order to obtain the required sample.