Admin_NHT Staff asked 6 years ago Definition: The diagnostic test used to detect the presence of fungal or bacterial infections in the throat of the individual is called a throat culture. Usually, throat swabs are used to collect the samples and these are suitably cultured in optimum conditions.
Procedure: The patient is asked to tilt his/her head back and open their mouth. A physician then holds the tongue down using a tongue depressor and examines the throat and mouth for any visible anomalies. A clean sterilized cotton swab is taken and then rubbed over the throat, any sores present and in the accessible area surrounding the tonsils to collect the sample. This sample collected by the doctor is then sent to the laboratory and allowed to grow in suitable conditions. This process is called the culture of the sample. Once the bacteria grows, chemical agents are used to differentiate the good and bad bacteria. The reports are sent within a few days.
When is it done? :
Sore throats that do not go away with the use of over-the-counter drugs and are suspected to be a strep throat or any other infection require this test. Additionally, the presence of redness, swelling,and pus on the tonsils and red spots in the mouth also warrants the need for this test.