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Throat swab culture    See images

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Throat culture and sensitivity; Culture - throat

Definition:

A laboratory test done to isolate and identify organisms that  may cause infection in the throat.

How the Test is Performed

The back of the throat is swabbed with a sterile cotton swab near the area of the tonsils and placed in a tube of culture medium. In order to improve the chances of detecting bacteria, the swab may be used to scrape the back of the throat several times.This test is used primarily to identify strep throat, however depending on the type of culture medium used, other organisms may be detected.

How to Prepare for the Test

Tilt your head back with your mouth wide open. Resist gagging and closing the mouth while the swab touches the back of the throat near the tonsils. Do not use antiseptic mouthwashes before the test.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child’s age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child’s age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)

How the Test will Feel

Your throat may be sore at the time the test is taken. You may experience a gagging sensation when the back of your throat is touched with the swab, but the test only lasts a few seconds.

Why the Test is Performed

The test is performed when a throat infection is suspected, particularly "strep throat".

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