What it means
The swab is rubbed over both tonsils and the back of the throat, then placed in a culture medium. It is used mostly to find group A streptococcus (strep throat). Results take 24 to 48 hours; a rapid strep test is faster, and in children a negative rapid test is often confirmed with a culture.
For the nurse
Collect it before antibiotics start. Use a tongue blade, avoid touching the tongue, cheeks and teeth, and warn the client they may gag. Never swab the throat of a child who may have epiglottitis (drooling, stridor, sitting forward): it can close the airway.
At a glance
| Normal range | Normal throat flora; no group A streptococcus |
|---|---|
| Also written | throat cultures |
Related terms
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
epiglottitis
Inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, the flap of tissue that covers the windpipe during swallowing.
acute glomerulonephritis
Sudden inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys.