OT swabs are collected from surfaces, equipment, air ducts, or instruments in the operation theatre.

The samples are cultured to identify bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens that may contaminate the sterile environment.

Once organisms are isolated, antibiotic sensitivity testing is performed to determine effective treatment options if contamination is detected.

Clinical uses include:

Monitoring sterility and hygiene standards in operation theatres.

Detecting nosocomial pathogens that may cause surgical site infections.

Guiding infection control measures in hospitals.

Provides definitive microbiological evidence for infection prevention and quality assurance.

Analyte: Microorganisms present in OT swab samples.

Normal Result: No growth (sterile environment).

Abnormal Findings:

Positive culture: Indicates contamination by pathogenic organisms (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, Candida).

Sensitivity profile: Identifies antibiotics effective against the isolated organism.

Clinical Use:

Provides a direct microbiological assessment of OT sterility.

Helps guide infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.

Supports hospital infection control, microbiology, and surgical safety evaluations.