Throat culture
throat culture · throat swab culture · nose and throat swab · bacterial culture of the throat
A swab is taken from your throat. The lab grows the sample to see which germs live there and which medicines work on them.
For frequent tonsillitis, a sore throat that lasts, before a health resort stay or a job, or to check for staph carriage.
⏱ Duration: the swab takes a few seconds; results usually come in 3 to 7 days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food and drink. The swab is usually taken before eating, or 2 to 3 hours after eating and drinking. Check with the clinic.
- Throat and teeth. In the morning, do not gargle or use sprays. Brushing teeth is usually not advised. Check with the lab.
- Antibiotics. The culture is best done before you start antibiotics. If you already take them, tell your doctor. Do not stop them on your own.
What to bring
- Your test request form
- Your ID
How it goes
- You sit and open your mouth
- Your tongue is held down with a flat stick
- A sterile swab is rubbed over the tonsils and the back of the throat
- The swab goes into a tube with a special gel
- If a nose swab is also ordered, it is taken with a separate swab
What you'll feel
- You may gag for a second
- Unpleasant, but quick
Afterwards
- You can eat and drink right away
- Results usually come in 3 to 7 days
- The report may list which antibiotics work. Your doctor will go over it
Common questions
If staph is found, does that mean I am ill?
Not necessarily. Many people carry it without harm. Your doctor decides if treatment is needed based on your symptoms.
Why does a culture take so long?
Germs need time to grow. Then they are tested against medicines.