THROAT CULTURE COLLECTION PROCEDURE

Throat

· Use a dacron or rayon culture swab.

· Use a tongue blade and a good light source to ensure good visualization.

· Reach behind the uvula and swab:

1. Both tonsillar fauces, and

2. the posterior pharynx, and

3. any ulceration, exudate, lesion, or area of inflammation.

· Place the swab into the transport system and send to the laboratory at room temperature or 2-8°C for

viral cultures.

Notes:

1. Throat cultures are contraindicated for patients with an inflamed epiglottis.

2. Culture for N. gonorrhoeae should be delivered to the laboratory immediately.

3. Organisms other than beta hemolytic streptococci usually do not cause primary acute pharyngitis.