47 Ear Smear
Susan Spence
While it is important to view the T.M. prior to dispensing medications, in private practice, often ear smear samples are obtained with permission from owner before an otoscopic exam in patients whose primary complaint is suspected ear infection. This is done so a DVM or CVT can obtain a sample and start analysis right away, vs. waiting until after ear exam is done-keeps things moving!
Sampling TidBits:
- Pre-label slides, orient slide with frosted end on left. Patient ID on frosted end, below ID, place an L/R (signifies that left ear sample will be closest to frosted end) Left, next to it Right.
- Introduce yourself and treat, Ideally have help gently restraining the patients head-ear may be tender
- Gently brace your hand with cotton swab on the patients’ head to prevent inadvertent stabbing deep into the canal
- Line up the angle of the swab with the angle of the canal
- Use gentle rolling motion while obtaining sample, and don’t go too deep in canal
- Left side-gently break swab after sampling to form an L, leave right side swab in tact
- Be aware that sampling may require sedation so don’t push your luck, ear infections can be painful as well as seemingly non-painful and smoldering…
- To make ear smear slide: place slide on flat surface, gently roll left swab several times on left most aspect of the slide (just a titch smaller than the size of a cover-slip) and same with sample from right side on the right side of the slide. NOTE: if you make the slide while holding in your hand, you can break slide
- Ear smear designated Diff-Quick Getting up to date info from clinpath and derm/PC
Video of making an ear smear and slide
EAR SWAB AND EAR SMEAR IN A NUTSHELL:
- Label slides frosted part on left patient ID/LR below
- Go slow, ideally restrainer with treats, support swab hand on patients head
- Rotate slowly to get sample
- Break Left into L
- Make slides on flat surface-roll smaller than cover-slip for L and R
- Use Diff-quick Getting up to date info from clinpath and derm/PC