[Evaluation of survival of bacteria on dry swabs and transport systems (author's transl)].

The survival of bacteria on dry swabs varied from twenty pro cent of organisms alive to no viability at four hours after the inoculation. Cotton-wool swabs highly reduced survival of bacteria; alginate or albumin swabs were less toxic for Gram-positive bacteria, charcoal swabs for Gram-negative bacteria. Transport systems allow certain organisms to remain viable as long as 24--48 hours. The quality and accuracy of any bacteriological culture depends greatly upon obtaining a proper specimen. Cotton-wool swabs are to be employed only when cultures are made immediately after collection, dry swabs--charcoal, albumin coated or calcium alginate--when cultures are made within four hours. For longer periods of time only transport systems are to be employed.