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Nasopharyngeal culture   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Culture - nasopharyngeal; Swab for respiratory viruses; Swab for Staph carriage

Definition:

This is a sample of nasopharyngeal (the part of the pharynx that is over the roof of the mouth) secretions that is obtained and grown in a culture medium to detect the presence of organisms that can cause disease.

How the Test is Performed

You will be asked to cough before the test begins and then tilt your head back. A sterile cotton-tipped swab is gently passed through the nostril and into the nasopharynx (the part of the pharynx that is over the roof of the mouth). The swab is quickly rotated and then removed.

How to Prepare for the Test

Adults:
There is no special preparation.

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 experiences, 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)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the Test will Feel

The patient may experience slight discomfort and may gag.

Why the Test is Performed

The test identifies microorganisms that cause upper-respiratory tract symptoms. Nasopharyngeal cultures are useful in identifying respiratory viruses, Staphyloccus aureus, Bordetella pertussis, and Neisseria meningitidis (types of bacteria). The culture may be used to test for appropriate antibiotic therapy.

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