Definition
Collecting throat swab for culture is a critical nursing procedure used to identify bacterial or fungal pathogens most commonly Streptococcus pyogenes in cases of sore throat, tonsillitis, or suspected pharyngitis.
Purposes of Collecting Throat Swab for Culture
Collecting a throat swab for culture serves several important diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, especially in identifying infections that affect the pharynx and tonsils.
| Purpose | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Identify bacterial or fungal pathogens | Detects organisms like Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat), Candida, or Neisseria gonorrhoeae |
| Differentiate between viral and bacterial infections | Helps avoid unnecessary antibiotics by confirming bacterial cause |
| Guide targeted treatment | Culture results inform appropriate antibiotic or antifungal therapy |
| Prevent complications | Early detection of strep can prevent rheumatic fever or scarlet fever |
| Monitor recurrent or persistent infections | Useful in chronic tonsillitis or treatment-resistant pharyngitis |
| Support infection control | Identifies contagious pathogens to reduce transmission in schools or hospitals |
Articles for Collecting Throat Swab for Culture
- Tongue depressor to hold he tongue down.
- Cotton-tipped applicators in sterile-packed test tube to collect the specimen to send it to the laboratory.
- Laboratory requisition form.
- Clean, dry, gauze pieces.
- Disposable gloves and mask.
- Biohazard transport bag
- Flashlight or penlight (optional)
Procedure for Collecting Throat Swab for Culture
| NURSING ACTIONS | RATIONALE | |
| 1. | Before procedure Check the physician’s order. | |
| 2. | Identify the patient. | |
| 3. | Explain to patient the procedure and instruct him how he/she must cooperate. | Knowledge of the procedure facilitates patient’s cooperation. |
| 4. | During procedure Wash hands and put on gloves. | Protects the healthcare worker from contamination with saliva. |
| 5. | Instruct the patient to open his mouth and hold the tongue down with a tongue depressor. If gag reflex is active in patient, make him/her to sit upright and if health permits, instruct the patient to open mouth, extend the tongue, and say “Ah. | Sitting position and extension of tongue helps to expose the pharynx. Saying ‘Ah’ relaxes the throat muscles. |
| 6. | Carefully, yet firmly, rub the swab or cotton applicator over areas of exudate or over the tonsil and posterior pharynx, avoiding the cheeks, teeth, and gums. | Firm rubbing will aid in obtaining an adequate sample. |
| 7. | Insert swab or applicator into the sterile packet, or test tube. | Keeping the applicator directly in the packet will avoid contamination. |
| 8. | Send specimen to the laboratory immediately with the requisition form duly filled. | |
| 9. | Clean and replace the reusable articles. | |
| 10. | Remove gloves and discard and wash hands. | |
| 11. | Document the procedure in the patient’s record. |
Special Considerations
- If the patient has a strong gag reflex, use a gentle approach and allow rest between attempts.
- For pediatric patients, distraction techniques or caregiver presence may help.
- If the patient is on antibiotics, note this on the lab form—it may affect culture results.
- Use double swabs if both rapid antigen and culture tests are ordered.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
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