How To Swab a Throat for Testing
401In pharyngitis (tonsillopharyngitis), testing of throat swabs may be done to identify infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci or N. gonorrhea. Testing may involve traditional cu...
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In pharyngitis (tonsillopharyngitis), testing of throat swabs may be done to identify infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci or N. gonorrhea.
Testing may involve traditional culture on sheep blood agar (GABHS) or Thayer-Martin medium (gonorrhea), rapid antigen testing (GABHS), or nucleic acid amplification testing (gonorrhea, COVID-19).
Indications for Swabbing a Throat
In patients with tonsillopharyngitis, a throat swab may need to be tested primarily to diagnose:
Gonococcal pharyngitis may be suspected in patients with known or possible exposure to gonorrhea (eg, recent oral-genital contact).
Criteria suggestive of need for testing for GABHS pharyngitis include the presence of ≥ 2 of the following:
Threshold for GABHS testing may be lower in patients at increased risk because of diabetes or immunocompromise.
Throat swabs are also sometimes tested if COVID-19 is suspected.
Contraindications to Swabbing a Throat
None
Complications of Swabbing a Throat
The swab may cause brief, minor gagging.
Equipment for Swabbing a Throat
Use swabs supplied with the specific test kit being used or by the facility’s laboratory. If none are supplied, use a swab with a plastic or wire shaft and a rayon, Dacron, or calcium alginate tip. Avoid swabs with wooden shafts and/or cotton tips because these materials may interfere with certain tests.
Relevant Anatomy for Swabbing a Throat
The tonsils are located along the sides of the posterior oropharynx. They lie between the anterior and posterior pillars of the throat.
Positioning for Swabbing a Throat
Sitting position with head tilted back slightly
Step-by-Step Description of Swabbing a Throat
Aftercare for Swabbing a Throat
Follow-up on test results.
Warnings and Common Errors for Swabbing a Throat
Tips and Tricks for Swabbing a Throat
In pharyngitis (tonsillopharyngitis), testing of throat swabs may be done to identify infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci or N. gonorrhea. Testing may involve traditional cu...
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