Throat culture

Throat culture is a laboratory diagnostic test that identifies bacterial or fungal infections in the throat. It involves taking a sample from the throat with a swab and testing it for the presence of microorganisms.

Procedure

The procedure for a throat culture involves the following steps:

1. The patient is asked to open their mouth wide and say "ahh" to expose the back of the throat.
2. A sterile swab is gently rubbed over the back of the throat, tonsils, and any other sore or discolored areas.
3. The swab is placed in a special container to keep the sample safe and is sent to a laboratory for testing.

Uses

Throat cultures are used to diagnose various throat infections, including:

• Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)
• Tonsillitis
• Diphtheria
• Whooping cough
• Gonorrhea

Results

The results of a throat culture can help determine the cause of a throat infection and guide treatment decisions. If bacteria or fungi are found in the culture, it means that these organisms are likely causing the infection. The type of bacteria or fungi found can help determine the most effective treatment.

Risks

Throat cultures are generally safe procedures. However, some people may experience gagging or discomfort during the swabbing.

See also

• Swab test
• Bacterial culture
• Fungal culture

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