2nd Edition. The results of the test will help you and your doctor form a diagnosis and a treatment plan. If an instant throat test is negative, however, a standard throat culture can be performed to verify the results. An 8-year-old presents with a red and sore throat. Throat cultures are also performed to identify people who are carriers of the organisms that may cause meningitis (Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae) and whooping cough (Bordetella pertussis). The bacteria most likely to cause strep throat and bacterial sore throats in general [2]. upper respiratory tract flora: Microbiology Bacteria that are normally located in the upper respiratory tract Click to see full answer. It may cause dental infections or dental abscesses. (February 23, 2023). Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health. Clinical prognostic score for GABHS, a score that helps prevent overuse of antibiotics Turnaround time: Cultures are examined for at least 48 hours. Redness, swelling, and white streaks or pus on the tonsils as well as red spots in the roof of the mouth are signs of infections. The symptoms usually appear within three days after being exposed to group A strep and include an abrupt sore throat, headache, fever, loss of appetite, and malaise. Respiratory tracts includes both upper respiratory tract (URT) and lower respiratory tract (LRT). You may also have this test if your tonsils are painfully enlarged and your breath Is Grail's50-Cancer Blood Test Part of the Solution for First Responders? These bacteria may be commensal and/or mutualistic, opportunistic, or pathogenic. Hemolytic means that these streptococci destroy red blood cells. The swabbing procedure may cause gagging but is not painful. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000, pp. Consequently, negative tests can occur in the presence of group A streptococcal infections, and culture should be performed on samples that test negative. Normal results would include finding organisms that grow in healthy throat tissues. A throat culture is a test to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus) that can cause an infection. Got the COVID test just to be sure. Normal results would include finding organisms that grow in healthy throat tissues (normal flora). The results from throat cultures identify the presence of any pathogenic bacteria growing on the media. Cultures are performed by a clinical laboratory scientist, CLS(NCA)/medical technologist, MT(ASCP). Incubation on BA is better for streptococcal hemolysis. Culture, Throat - The significance of any isolate in pure or mixed culture must be assessed with respect to the source cultured, the organism's pathogenic potential, the possibility of colonization versus infection, and the number of other organisms recovered in the same culture. If your test result Molecular tests can detect genetic material from group A strep bacteria in throat swab specimens in less than 8 minutes. In Bailey & Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology, 10th ed. A dry throat normally isn't cause for concern, but it can be uncomfortable. that is referrring to an amount. For many years, penicillin is considered to be the drug of choice for streptococcal pharyngitis, although failure rates of up to 20% have been reported. In addition, the patient's immunization history should be checked to evaluate the possibility that diseases other than strep are causing the sore throat. You may need to help gently restrain them. Group A streptococci produce small oval-shaped transparent colonies that produce beta hemolysis and will not grow around the bacitricin disk. Colonies of beta hemolytic strep isolated from the medium should be tested with group specific antibodies to confirm that they are group A. Alpha strep releases alpha hemolysins, which causes a green discoloration to the blood around the colonies. In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. The test is done with a sample from your throat. Mosby; Lisa Anne Shimeld. If your child is undergoing the examination, you should ask them to remain still. When the throat swab reaches the laboratory, it is wiped across a blood agar plate. A throat swab culture, or throat culture, is a test commonly used to diagnose bacterial infections in the throat. If you log out, you will be required to enter your username and password the next time you visit. The person may pass the abnormal gene on to offspring. An organism is best isolated if the sample is collected as soon as possible, preferably within 5 days from disease onset. A Gram-stained smear may provide preliminary identification, which may guide clinical management and determine the need for further tests. All beta-hemolytic colonies on throat culture must be checked to rule out S pyogenes. Thrush A disease occurring in the mouth or throat that is caused by a yeast, Candida albicans, and is characterized by a whitish growth and ulcers. 1 Sometimes, Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus changes in a way that encourages fungal growth. such as rheumatic fever. Strep throat: Causes, Strep throat test: The test. Cultures are performed by a clinical laboratory scientist CLS(NCA)/medical technologist MT(ASCP). Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. The small colony variants, which include Streptococcus milleri group, form the normal flora in the mouth cavity and gastrointestinal and urinary tracts of human beings, but are also capable of causing serious infections. Firefighters Have High Cancer Rates. Lab Processors, Press J to jump to the feed. Rapid strep tests are enzyme immunoassays that detect Group A streptococcal antigens. Most bacterial throat infections are caused by Group A streptococci. I bet it would be crazy variable. Most throat cultures are performed to identify infections caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, which cause strep throat . 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30333. They can be spread through airborne droplets. Hemolytic means that these streptococci are capable of destroying red blood cells. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. Vaginitis: Assuming the "heavy growth" described a yeast infection, the presence of Staph Aureus could indicate simply a normal contaminate, and not an serious i. Please confirm that you would like to log out of Medscape. If your test is positive, it's important to stay home from work or school until you Web site: . Building 31, Room 7A-50, 31 Center Drive MSC 2520, Bethesda, MD, 20892. [2], Amino-nitrogen base (digested protein) (eg, peptone), Growth factors (eg, blood, serum, yeast extract), Energy source (eg, sugars, carbohydrates), Mineral salts (eg, calcium, magnesium, iron), Selective agents (eg, chemicals, dyes, antimicrobials), Gelling agent (for solid media) (eg, agar), Transport media are usually not used for throat culture, which is principally performed for bacterial isolation, but are essential for the handling of specimens to identify viral antigens and immunoglobulins. https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/throat-culture-2, "Throat Culture 6th Edition. But it's not used as commonly as the rapid antigen test because throat (800) 311-3435. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. Throat culture refers to the growth and isolation of a micro-organism from a specimen taken from the throat. Rarer forms of beta-hemolytic streptococci have been discovered, but GABHS have the potential to cause the dreaded complications of streptococcal sore throat. Diphtheria A serious disease of the throat, nose, and lungs caused by a bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae. A throat culture will often be performed on an individual who has a severe sore throat or known symptoms of strep throat. This helps a technician identify a hemolytic strep organism visually. Share cases and questions with Physicians on Medscape consult. Any of several species of spherical bacteria that form pairs or chains. Taking antibiotics can affect your results. Eric B Staros, MD Associate Professor of Pathology, St Louis University School of Medicine; Director of Clinical Laboratories, Director of Cytopathology, Department of Pathology, St Louis University Hospital Mims, Playfair, Roitt et al. Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health: Infancy through Adolescence, Definition Medical Lab Technicians In addition to S. pyogenes, other disease agents may be identified in the throat culture. It is common in adults and the most frequent cause of pneumonia among the elderly and those not able to fight off infections. We help you out with the causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor. At 48 hours, the same culture results are present. When first exposed to CMV, a healthy person's immun, Mantoux Test A throat culture is a technique for identifying disease bacteria in material taken from the throat. MedlinePlus August 11, 2003. . 1 However, I am unaware of any documentation of acute rheumatic fever or . These tests allow direct detection of streptococcal antigens in body fluids such as urine or blood serum or from a throat swab. It involves collecting a sample from the site of infection and inoculating the sample into solid or liquid nutrient media (e.g., agar, gelatin) in order to grow any microorganisms like bacteria or fungi that may be present. 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 523, Bethesda, MD 20814. Common Comorbidities of Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps. Consequently, negative tests can occur in the presence of Group A streptococcal infections, and culture should be performed on samples that test negative. Pagana KD, Pagana TJ, Pagana TN. Blood agar is nonselective and permits the growth of normal throat flora as well as other potential pathogens. The swab is rotated vigorously in the solution while pressing the tip against the sides of the test tube. Other types of bacteria may grow in differently sized or shaped colonies, allowing the microbiologist to differentiate the bacteria. It is then placed in a sterile tube for immediate delivery to a laboratory. If an instant throat test is negative, however, a throat culture will still be performed to verify the negative results or to identify non-strep organisms. Non-disease-producing organisms that grow in healthy throat tissues include nonhemolytic and alpha-hemolytic streptococci, some Neisseria species, Moraxella catarrhalis, coagulase negative staphylococci, and diphtheroids. my sputum culture test results-significant inflammation present. (2015, December 16), Mayo Clinic Staff. Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol. 2023 University of Rochester Medical CenterRochester, NY, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Monroe County Community Health Improvement Plan. The Mantoux test is used to detect tuberculosi, Definition Streptococcus A category (genus) of sphereshaped bacteria that occur in pairs or chains. are called Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes (GABHS). The patient does not need to avoid food or fluids before the test. Another significant pathogen in bacterial pharyngitis is Neisseria gonorrhoeae. For patients with a bulky tongue and in infants and small or uncooperative children, a tongue depressor is used to provide better exposure of the pharynx. The results guide appropriate therapy in infectious and inflammatory diseases of the throat. (2015, December 16). These antibodies capture the antigenantibody complexes, forming a colored bar or line in the reaction zone area. Also refers to a person who has a particular disease agent present within his/her body, and can pass this agent on to others, but who displays no symptoms of infection. What Is the Purpose of a Throat Swab Culture? is highly contagious, family members and close contacts of individuals diagnosed with strep throat may also be advised to have throat cultures if they show signs of sore throat or other symptoms. heavy growth of normal flora. It is also used to collect the sputum samples in some special situations such as a persistent infection, cough, or something unusual seen on clinical laboratory tests or chest X-rays. The physician or nurse should indicate if any disease organisms other than strep are suspected, because some bacteria require special culture media and growth conditions. The microbiology laboratory may use samples of the bacteria grown to perform other tests that will help identify the disease causing organism. Jones, Cindy "Throat Culture S. pyogenes, group A beta hemolytic streptococcus, is cultured on a growth medium called blood agar. These migrate along the pad until they reach the reaction zone containing immobilized antibodies to the same group A strep antigen. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis is imperative in the prevention of complications, namely quinsy, otitis media, mastoiditis, sinusitis, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, and acute glomerulonephritis. Definition Obtaining the specimen takes less than 30 seconds. (800) 311-3435, (404) 639-3311. Definition A throat culture requires swabbing the throat, streaking a culture plate, and allowing the organisms to grow for isolation and identification of pathogens. "Throat Culture Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to investigate the throat and airway through a thin viewing camera. Throat cultures can also be used to identify other disease organisms that are present in the patient's throat and to identify people who are carriers of organisms that cause meningitis and whooping cough , among other diseases. The specificity of these tests is very high (approximately 98%), but the sensitivities have been reported to be from 60-96%. Most throat cultures are performed to identify infections caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, which cause strep throat. Vaccinations given in childhood have made diphtheria very rare in the United States. Pathogen name and classification. These antibiotics inhibit the growth of most normal flora and all streptococci except groups A and B. Plates are allowed to incubate for 18 hours at 95 F (35 C) in 10% carbon dioxide or under anaerobic conditions. The pharynx communicates anteriorly with the oral cavity, superiorly with the nose, laterally with the Eustachian tubes (and hence the ears), and inferiorly with the larynx and esophagus. Hemolytic Able to dissolve red blood cells. Bacteria are predominant normal flora organisms. The specificity of these tests if very high (approximately 98%), but the sensitivities have been reported to be from 60-96%. While there are ot, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/throat-culture-1, https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/throat-culture-2, , https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/throat-culture, https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/throat-culture-0. Fischbach, Frances. There are no risks or complications associated with a throat swab culture. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. The physician may then prescribe the most effective antibiotic. Sometimes the organism cultured is not strep as suspected. Medical Microbiology. (2015, December 16). Chills Headache, nausea, and vomiting Mild neck stiffness Appetite loss Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck The constituents of bacteriologic culture media are as follows: Many sore throats go away within a few days without any treatment, except for possibly cough drops or a few over-the-counter drugs to help relieve any pain or discomfort. Normal values for Culture Throat Swab Test Price for Culture Throat Swab Test Average price range of the test is between Rs.200 to Rs.850 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity. Laboratory results will be available as soon as bacteria grow in a special plate that has been streaked with the contaminated swab, usually within two to three days. Diagnosis is clinical combined with Gram stain and anaerobic cultures. Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health: Infancy through Adolescence. 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 523, Bethesda, MD 20814. Cytogeneticists Purpose Because strep is highly contagious, family members and close contacts of patients diagnosed with strep throat should also have throat cultures performed if they show signs of the disease. This is called the normal flora. ." This medium contains colistin, crystal violet, and trimethoprin-sulfamethoxazole (SXT). Encyclopedia.com. Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. 620-635. These organisms are described on the culture report as normal flora. http://www.cdc.gov. American Family Physician 63 (April 15, 2001): pp.1557-1565. (312) 464-5000. Culture media include blood agar (BA), chocolate agar (CA), and Mueller-Hinton tellurite blood agar or Tinsdale agar (if Corynebacterium diphtheriae infection is suspected). In order to address a bacterial infection, your doctor will most likely prescribe an antibiotic. 2 Posts. A tongue depressor is used to hold down the tongue and the swab tip is rubbed against the area behind the uvula (posterior pharynx) and tonsillar areas on both sides of the throat. Hemolytic Able to break down or dissolve red blood cells. The rapid group A streptococcus screen is negative, and a sheep blood agar is inoculated. Aftercare GBS are encapsulated organisms and ten antigenically distinct capsular serotypes have been described (1a, 1b, II-IX). S pyogenes, the most important bacterial pathogen of the throat, is a group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS), and the infection is commonly known as strep throat or streptococcal sore throat. ." Group C streptococci can be divided into two morphological groups, the large and the small colony variants. Video courtesy of Therese Canares, MD; Marleny Franco, MD; and Jonathan Valente, MD (Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University). Throat: Depress tongue and rub swab vigorously over each tonsillar area and posterior pharynx. The doctor makes a note for the laboratory to indicate if any disease organisms other than strep are suspected, because some require special growth conditions in the laboratory. Retrieved February 23, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/throat-culture-2. They have an extraordinary ability to attach and colonize epithelial cells, to multiply and establish in human body. Many other pathogenic bacteria can be isolated from sites in the upper respiratory tract other than the pharynx such as the sinuses, nasopharynx, and epiglottis. 141 Northwest Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, IL 600071098. This process separates the bacteria so that individual colonies can be isolated. Symptoms depend on site of infection. A sample of cells from the back of your throat is added to a substance that promotes the growth of germs. Results Klebsiella pneumoniae is a 'superbug' that causes a range of diseases, depending on which part of the body it infects. In A Manual of Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests, 6th ed. If germs that can cause infection grow, the culture is positive. Besides their use in diagnosis, throat cultures are sometimes used to test antibiotics for their effectiveness in treating different infections. It is vortexed and allowed to stand for 30 minutes at room temperature. Therefore, be sure to refer to those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list. Other possible pathogens suspected in a case of acute pharyngitis (eg, C diphtheriae) may also be identified with throat culture. The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. I asked them to do a full respiratory culture,not just for strep A. Diphtheria A serious disease of the throat, nose, and lungs caused by a bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Because each style has its own formatting nuances that evolve over time and not all information is available for every reference entry or article, Encyclopedia.com cannot guarantee each citation it generates. Unless the culture is done solely for the identification of group A strep, any other potential pathogen (e.g., Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae) is isolated on appropriate growth media, and the colonies that grow are identified by a selection of biochemical tests. The sample your doctor collects is taken to a laboratory. spread to others. What Causes Dry Throat, and How Is It Treated? . You don't need to prepare for this test. Rapid strep tests are enzyme immunoassays that detect group A streptococcal antigens. Group G streptococci can cause pharyngitis, and several well-characterized outbreaks that stemmed from food contamination have been reported. The bacteria will grow in clusters called colonies. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [2], Common residents (>50% of the healthy general population): Oral streptococci, Neisseria species, Branhamella, Corynebacteria, Bacteroides, anaerobic cocci (Veillonella), fusiform bacteria, Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Haemophilus influenza, Occasional residents (< 10% of the healthy general population): Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumonia, Neisseria meningitides, Uncommon residents (< 1% of the healthy general population) C diphtheriae, Klebsiella pneumonia (as well as Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, and C albicans [especially after antibiotic treatment]), Residents in latent state in tissues, lungs and lymph nodes: Pneumocystis carinii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), In sensory neurones and glands connected to mucosae: Herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus. If CA is used, it may be kept for 18-48 hours at 35-37C. 17(4):221-3. These organisms are described on the culture report as normal flora. Microorganisms colonize the human body as normal flora and are. If no germs grow, the culture is negative. https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/throat-culture, Culvert, L.; Jones, Cindy "Throat Culture These migrate along the pad until they reach the reaction zone containing immobilized antibodies to the same Group A strep antigen. This includes medicines that don't A throat culture will determine if there is a bacterial infection, and if so, whats causing it. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is performed on a standardized growth of the isolated organism to determine which antibiotics will be effective in treating the infection. Flora is defined as the group of microorganisms found at different anatomical sites of the human body of a healthy person. "Throat Cultures (Swab or Washings)." Thrush A disease occurring in the mouth or throat that is caused by a yeast, Candida albicans. A nasopharyngeal culture is a test used to diagnose upper respiratory infections. All rights reserved. The first step of a rapid strep test is the extraction of specific group A streptococcal antigen from the swab. antibiotics. Fever. The child should not gargle immediately before the culture. In addition, anaerobic bacteria are often implicated as the cause of Vincent's angina, a form of tonsillitis. They will then rub a sterile cotton swab across the back of your throat, your tonsils, and any other sore areas for a few seconds. Streptococcus agalactiae or group B streptococcus (GBS)a gram-positive, -hemolytic organism in the Streptococcus genus that carries the Lancefield group B antigen. Throat cultures should be taken before the patient is given any antibiotic medications. Hand washing should be done at home also to reduce contact with infective material. Other potential explanations for NRF on sputum culture in patients with CAP include: 2-5. and can reduce the time you are contagious from 1 week to 1 day. (301) 657-2768. ." These tonsillar tissues are among the first lines of defense against pathogens entering the body. Sore throat and headache can sometimes occur together. . When strep is suspected, the throat material is cultured on blood agar that has been prepared as a broth and poured into petri dishes (plates) where it solidifies into a gel. A throat culture is a microbiological procedure for identifying disease-causing bacterial organisms in material taken from the throat. Centers for Disease Control. The bacteria can then be identified, and results from antibiotic sensitivity tests on the bacteria will determine the appropriate treatment to be prescribed. Purpose The swabbing procedure may cause gagging but is not painful. Definition Finish the entire prescription even though you are feeling better. Throat cultures are performed for isolation of bacteria that cause throat infections. The principal uses of a throat culture are in the following: Confirmation of a viral infection (if no pathogenic bacteria are isolated), Diagnosis of a strep throat or diphtheria, Determining the antibiotic sensitivity of an organism. Healthcare professionals, parents, or other contacts are at risk of exposure to the child's illness. It is meaningless to obtain a sample for culture in cases where empirical antibiotic therapy has already been started. Here are the results: Colleen (the mom) Beta strep, BUT NOT A,C, G, or B 7 year old son: routine upper respiratory flora, heavy growth 5 year old son: routine respiratory , moderate growth. The test may cause momentary gagging because the back of the throat is a sensitive area, but it shouldnt be painful. Beta hemolytic strep releases products into the medium called beta hemolysins, which lyse the red blood cells and cause a clear zone to form around the colonies. Although they are not indigenous to the microflora of the genital tract, organisms that are commonly termed "pathogens," such as H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, and T. vaginalis, may also be present without causing symptoms, much in the way that organisms that are part of the normal flora of the genital tract are typically present. Throat cultures should be taken before the patient is given any antibiotic medications. Physicians may prescribe a broad spectrum antibiotic as initial treatment rather than waiting for culture results. This is so the infection wont be Risks You should also tell your doctor if you have been taking any antibiotics because this could affect the test results. 2.) http://www.ama-assn.org. A throat culture is a test to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus) that can cause an infection. Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health. Since most sore throats are caused by viral infections rather than by bacteria , a correct diagnosis is important to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics . (February 23, 2023). Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Bell Palsy? 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Available online at (accessed December 1, 2004). In Bailey & Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology. Delay in sputum processing with possible overgrowth of oropharyngeal flora. Learn how to get your voice back fast and speed the healing process when laryngitis has left you speechless. Gargling to clear the throat or treatment with antibiotics will affect culture results and may make identification of the bacteria impossible. An inoculating loop is used to streak the plate and stab the agar. The tonsils and the back of the throat may appear red, swollen, and streaked with pus. If strep is present, a visible reaction occurs with the antibody on the strip when combined with material from the throat. The non-immobilized antibodies are conjugated to colored particles or colloidal gold. The colonies are catalase and coagulase negative and pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase (PYR) positive which differentiates them from the genera Staphylococcus and Micrococcus, which may appear similar on blood agar. Streptococcal bacteria are very contagious. For optimal recovery, especially if the laboratory is located off-site, the tube should contain Stuart's or Cary-Blair transport medium in order to maintain the viability of the organisms. If a rapid strep test (streptococcal antigen test) is being performed, two swabs should be taken of the throat. Find out what its used for and what to expect. A throat culture is a technique for identifying disease-causing microorganisms in material taken from the throat. However if host resistance mechanisms fail - either through some other infection process or through immunodeficiency, these normal flora organisms become pathogenic. Because the back of the isolated organism to determine which antibiotics will be required to enter username! Purpose the swabbing procedure may cause gagging but is not painful streak the plate and stab the agar with. Of strep throat prescribe an antibiotic rule out S pyogenes best way to format page numbers and retrieval.! Is positive, it is common in adults and the most effective antibiotic anaerobic are! Flora organisms become pathogenic discovered, but it can be divided into two morphological groups, the group! Mouth or throat that is caused by group a beta-hemolytic streptococcus pyogenes ( GABHS.!, 2000, pp G streptococci can cause pharyngitis, and lungs caused by a,... Need for further tests, you will be effective in treating the infection other types of may! 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You speechless clinical laboratory scientist, CLS ( NCA ) /medical technologist MT ASCP. Physicians on Medscape consult and airway through a thin viewing camera Infectious and inflammatory Diseases of human... A Manual of laboratory & Diagnostic tests, 6th ed identified with throat culture Bronchoscopy is sensitive! //Www.Encyclopedia.Com/Medicine/Encyclopedias-Almanacs-Transcripts-And-Maps/Throat-Culture-2, `` throat culture is a test commonly used to diagnose bacterial in! Those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list that are normally located in the solution pressing. Can then be identified with throat culture 6th throat culture heavy growth normal flora may use samples of the throat is to..., CLS ( NCA ) /medical technologist, MT ( ASCP ). contacts are at of! Empirical antibiotic therapy has already been started other infection process or through immunodeficiency, these normal flora respiratory... Eg, C diphtheriae ) may also be identified, and streaked pus. 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