Culture of Throat Swab or Sputum – Basic microbiology, parasitology, and immunology; nature, reproduction, growth, and transmission of common microorganisms and parasites in Bangladesh; prevention including universal precaution and immunization, control, sterilization, and disinfection; and specimen collections and examination. Students will have an understanding of common organisms and parasites caused human diseases and acquire knowledge about the prevention and control of those organisms.
Culture of Throat Swab or Sputum
Indications of culture of throat swab or sputum
To diagnose the following diseases-
- Diphtheria
- Tuberculosis
- Streptococcal sore throat (tonsillitis, pharyngitis)
- Pneumonia
Procedure of Sample Collection of Throat Swab for Culture
Supplies and Equipment
The supplies and equipment required to obtain a sample for throat culture are :
- Sterile cotton-tipped applicator specimen collection tip (culturette)
- Tongue depressor
- Laboratory request form
- Flashlight
Procedure
1. Always observe proper hand hygiene prior to the test
2. Have the patient sit comfortably either on bed or chair while explaining the procedure.
3. Allow the patient to tilt his head back and ask him to say Antiseptic mouthwash should be avoided before this test.
4. Make use of the flashlight to light up the back of the throat and check for presence of inflammation using the tongue depressor.
5. Swab the tonsillar areas from side to side and make sure to include any inflamed or purulent sites. The test may cause momentary gagging because the back of the throat is a sensitive area, but it should not be painful.
6. Refrain from touching the tongue, cheeks, or teeth with the applicator, due to possibleA contamination with oral bacteria.
7. Place the cotton-tipped applicator into the culture tube immediately.
8. Label the culture tube with the patient’s name, SSN, and ward number if applicable.12
9. Fill out the request form completely with the following information:
- Patient’s name
- Patient’s rank or status
- Family member prefix and sponsor’s social security number
- Ward number if inpatient, or mobile number if outpatient
- otban Source of the specimen (e.g., throat)
- Any antibiotics the patient is taking
- Date and time the specimen was obtained
- Name of the physician who ordered the culture
10. The sample is then taken to the laboratory for culture.
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