How To Swab a Throat for Testing
489In 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...
View detailsSearch the whole station Pandemic Supply
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 Throa
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 culture...
View detailsHCY™ 96 DNA/RNA Extration Kit CY-M001-96A Match, Adapt to, Suitable for / KingFisher, Thermo KingFisher, Flex 96.Extraction Kit HighlightsQuick recovery of viral DNA/RNA from plasma, s...
View detailsFlocked swabs are widely used for specimen collection due to their efficiency in collecting and releasing biological samples. Here's a detailed look at their advantages, applications, and the proc...
View detailsCHGPrep Swab 102.09 is a tinted solution of 2% w/v chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and 70% v/v isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Indicated for skin antisepsis prior to invasive procedures, this product helps...
View details