Ear microbiology reports: a need for better communication with the microbiologists

Most ENT surgeons treat discharging ears with topical antibiotics but many may not routinely utilise ear microbiology specimens. One reason could be that ear microbiology reports may not reflect their usual therapeutic options. This paper explores how microbiology departments in England process ear swabs. We carried out a telephone questionnaire of 104 microbiology departments in England. Results were obtained from 95 hospitals. Various culture methods are used, with sensitivity testing for up to 51 different antibiotics. Only five are licensed for topical use. Systemic antibiotics seemed to be preferentially tested for over topical antibiotics. Anaerobes and fungus are routinely tested. Many microbiology departments do not routinely report on all sensitivities tested. Antibiotic sensitivity testing for various micro-organisms cultured from ear swabs seemed to be guided by protocols for systemic infections. Microbiologists may not fully appreciate ENT surgeons' preferential usage of topical antibiotics in treating discharging ears, albeit there are other factors in their consideration for antibiotics to test. To gain better guidance from swab results, and to reduce needless lab costs, discussion with the microbiologists may be of benefit.