A single swab sample is cultured in the lab to identify the bacteria causing an infection. It suits people with a wound, lesion or unusual discharge, particularly if a test for a specific infection has already come back negative.
1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.
A swab for culture test takes a sample from the area of concern, such as a wound, lesion or unusual discharge, and grows it in the lab to see which bacteria are present. This is commonly used when an infection is suspected but a specific test has already come back negative, or when a clinician needs to identify the exact organism before choosing an antibiotic.
There is no named comparison group for this test in our system, so we cannot rank it against direct competitors. Against the wider set of similarly sized immunity and infection tests we track, its £145 price sits a little above the typical £129, which is one reason it scores only moderately on price.
The listing scores well for clarity, since it sets out the biomarker, sample type, collection route and turnaround clearly, though it does not describe what the report looks like. It also scores well for collection convenience, since the whole process is done at home with results in two days. The main drag on the overall score is results and follow-up, since results are not doctor-reviewed as standard.
This suits people with a visible wound, lesion or unusual discharge who want to know which bacteria is involved, particularly if you have already had a specific infection test come back negative but symptoms persist. There is no named comparison group for this test, so we cannot point you to a specific cheaper or more thorough alternative. If your result comes back positive, it is worth arranging to see a doctor about treatment rather than relying on the test alone.
You collect an external swab sample yourself at home using the kit provided, then post it to the lab in the prepaid envelope. Results are typically ready within two days of the sample arriving, and Better2Know provides a login code for its online patient area where you can view them; a member of the team also contacts you directly once they are ready. Results are not doctor-reviewed as standard.
This £145 swab test cultures a sample from a wound, lesion or discharge to identify the bacteria responsible, which can help a clinician choose the right antibiotic. There is no named comparison group for this test in our system, so we cannot say how the price compares. Results are ready within two days, and there is no doctor review as standard.
The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.
1 biomarkers, placing it in the 36th percentile of immunity tests we track.
A swab sample you take at home, no needle; results in around 2 days, in line with or faster than similar tests.
Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.
Trustpilot 4.2 from 775 reviews; CQC registered; trading 18+ years.
£145.00 against a median of £129.00 for the 79 similarly sized immunity tests we track (+12%).
Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.
Highly rated for depth and priced well below the market
An 8-marker blood test covering white and red blood cells, vitamin D, B12, iron status and inflammation, for a broad check of immune-related health.
Six-marker immunity panel below the category median
A six-marker blood panel covering IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies plus total protein, albumin and globulin, for anyone investigating frequent infections or possible immune deficiency.
Combined Covid tests, discontinued from 30 Sept 2026
A combined blood test measuring both nucleocapsid antibodies, which indicate past infection, and spike protein antibodies, which indicate a vaccine or infection response.
Broad 13-marker urine panel, competitively priced
A urine analysis under the microscope plus a culture to check for bacteria, covering signs of infection, kidney health and metabolic changes. Suits monitoring urinary symptoms or investigating an abnormal result.
