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. 1969 Aug 23;3(5668):450-1.
doi: 10.1136/bmj.3.5668.450.

Bacteriological swabs

D I Bartlett, M H Hughes

Bacteriological swabs

D I Bartlett et al. Br Med J. .

Abstract

Streptococcus pyogenes survives poorly on plain cotton-wool swabs, whereas serum-dipped swabs permit its survival but also allow overgrouth by other bacteria and are likely to contain virus inhibitors. The use of swabs dipped in a solution of 20% bovine albumin (fraction V) and sterilized by steam is therefore recommended, since these permit bacterial survival without growth and are unlikely to contain virus inhibitors.

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References

    1. Br Med J. 1953 Nov 14;2(4845):1095-7 - PubMed
    1. Mon Bull Minist Health Public Health Lab Serv. 1955 Jun;14:97-103 - PubMed

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