Purpose Abscess is a common complaint referred to general surgeons for management. Abscesses are commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and other B-haemolytic streptococci. Empirical antibiotic treatment paired with adequate drainage is usually sufficient. Most abscesses get swabbed at the time of drainage and sent for analysis however even with this often it does not change management and thus proves to be an unnecessary investigation. This study aims to determine if routine swabbing of abscesses changes management. Methods This is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent an incision and drainage of any abscess by general surgeons at the Redcliffe Hospital from December 2022 until December 2023. Abscess location and if a swab was taken was recorded. The seniority of the operating surgeon, need for reoperation or if the swab led to a change in management were also recorded. Results 269 patients underwent an incision and drainage of an abscess over the 12-month period. Perianal (23.8%), pilonidal (19.0%) and axillary (14.1%) were the most common locations. Cases were most often performed by the PHOs (76.2%). 86.2% (n=232) of abscesses were swabbed. 13 patients (4.8%) had an unplanned return to theatre and 17 patients (6.3%) had their management changed by the swab results. No returns occurred in patients who were not swabbed. 50 patients were swabbed pre and intraoperatively but there was no difference in the swab results. Conclusions Routine swabbing of an abscess does not significantly impact patient management. Preoperative swab is sufficient and doesn’t require additional testing. Omitting a swab was not associated with an unplanned return to theatre.