AN OVERVIEW
About Culture Throat Swab Test
Why Is A Culture Throat Swab Test Done?
A Culture Throat Swab test is often used to help diagnose strep throat, which is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. It may be used to determine which antibiotic can treat the infection. The symptoms of strep throat are similar to those of other conditions (such as a cold or tonsillitis), so a doctor may order this test to rule out these other conditions and make sure you receive the right treatment.
What does the Culture Throat Swab test measure?
A Culture Throat Swab test measures bacteria found in your throat. If bacteria are present, a culture throat swab test will identify what type of bacteria is growing there and help your healthcare provider select the most appropriate antibiotic for treatment. A culture throat swab test is not routinely done when a person has a sore throat; it is only done when prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Risks of the Culture Throat Swab test
There are no viable risks associated with the conduction of this test. Though one might feel a little uncomfortable in the throat part, which gets cured in a matter of some minutes. Whereas, if you feel restless or experience any other symptom such as swollen throat or fever which lasts more than one day, you are advised to visit the doctor and get the required medication done.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Which part of the throat does throat culture swab test home collection use?
You want to swab the posterior pharynx, which is the back of the throat. This is because this area is where most of the streptococcus bacteria are located. Swabs that are taken from other areas of the mouth are likely to be negative.
What is the use of two swabs in the throat culture?
Many people believe that it is done so that if one swab is lost, there will be another one. However, this isnt why two swabs are used. One of the two swabs should be placed in a liquid medium called transport media, while the other one should be placed in a dry tube, such as SST tubes. This way, if one of them gets contaminated, there will still be a sample for testing.
What is the time utilized in the throat culture?
It usually takes about 24 to 72 hours for a swab that has been cultured to show some results but it can also take up to 5 days for it to show any changes. It is important for you to know that even after you have obtained your results, you should continue with treatment, until you have finished the medication, as prescribed by the doctor.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpretation of the Culture Throat Swab test results
The presence of a pathogen in the culture throat swab sample suggests that you have an infection. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the condition. If there is no growth, then you have no infection. However, this does not rule out other causes for your symptoms.
Test Result | Interpretation |
Found pathogen | Infected |
Culture Throat Swab Test In Chandigarh
A Culture Throat Swab test is done to check for bacteria and fungi in the back of the throat that may be causing a sore throat. It also identifies the specific type of bacteria that may be causing the infection. The test may be ordered when someone has a sore or strep throat and other symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing. You may need this test if you have swollen tonsils that do not get better within a few days on their own or with over-the-counter medication.
The test involves swabbing the back of the throat to collect samples of any bacterial or viral infection. If any bacteria or virus is detected then it can help your doctor decide what treatment would work best for your condition. You can book a throat culture swab test in Chandigarh online.
Book now Disclaimer: This site does not replace professional medical advice for Culture Throat Swab Test In Chandigarh. Always consult your healthcare provider for concerns about your health.