Throat swab culture

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Throat anatomy

Throat swab culture

Definition:

Throat swab culture is a laboratory test done to isolate and identify organisms that may cause infection in the throat.

Alternative Names:

Throat culture and sensitivity; Culture - throat

How the test is performed:

The back of the throat is swabbed with a sterile cotton swab near the tonsils. The swab is 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.

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.

Review Date: 6/10/2005
Reviewed By: Eleftherios Mylonakis, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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