Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Ex vivo Culture of Human Placental Explants for the Study of Viral Transmission Across the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: December 30, 2025
A multidisciplinary educational intervention improves clinician knowledge of placental swab collection: A multicentre
Stella Fielder1, Aimee Kiernan2, Faye Dearden2
1Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, University of Manchester, UK.
Background:
Placental microbiology swabs are essential when investigating suspected maternal or neonatal infection and perinatal death. Despite their diagnostic importance, formal guidance on collection technique is limited, and practice varies. Available guidance supports subchorionic sampling, while variation in technique may introduce contamination and reduce diagnostic utility.
Aim:
To evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary educational intervention on knowledge, intended practice, and confidence regarding placental swab collection.
Methods:
A multicentre pre-post evaluation was conducted across three maternity units within a large UK maternity provider. Baseline reported practice and confidence were assessed using an anonymous electronic survey over two weeks. Baseline findings informed a targeted educational intervention comprising a brief instructional video demonstrating indications, electronic ordering, and the recommended subchorionic swab technique, supported by posters and ward-based teaching. A repeat survey was conducted two weeks post-intervention. Pre- and post-intervention responses were analysed as independent samples.
Results:
A total of 114 baseline and 51 post-intervention responses were analysed. At baseline, 93.9% reported no prior formal training. Correct identification of the recommended subchorionic swab technique increased from 11.4% (13/112) to 94.1% (48/51) (χ2 = 102, p < 0.001). Among applicable respondents, knowledge of correct laboratory submission improved from 79.2% (76/96) to 98.0% (50/51) (χ2(1) = 9.69, p = 0.002). Median confidence increased from 2 to 5 (Mann-Whitney U = 526, p < 0.001). The intervention was rated very or extremely useful.
Conclusion:
A brief educational intervention was associated with improved short-term knowledge, confidence and intended practice regarding recommended subchorionic placental swab technique. Further work should assess sustained competence, microbiological yield, contamination and clinical management.
