A throat culture is a test to find a bacterial or fungal infection, to check for masses, vocal cord irregularities, pooling of secretions, and to see if the vocal cord structures of the throat including the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis, and tonsils are working normally. Instead of a regular throat culture, you may get a different type of test (called a molecular test) that looks for DNA (the genetic information inside cells). A healthy throat should not cause pain or difficulty swallowing. A healthy throat is usually consistently pink and shiny. Some people may have noticeable pink tissue on either side of the back of their throat, which is usually the tonsils. Cough, runny nose, or hoarseness that changes the sound of a person’s voice.

Throat swab culture

A throat culture and sensitivity; Culture – throat

A throat swab culture is a laboratory test that is done to identify germs that may cause infection in the throat. It is most often used to diagnose strep throat.

How the Test is Performed

You will be asked to tilt your head back and open your mouth wide. Your health care provider will rub a sterile cotton swab along the back of your throat near your tonsils. You will need to resist gagging and closing your mouth while the swab touches this area.

Your provider may need to scrape the back of your throat with the swab several times. This helps improve the chances of detecting bacteria.

How to Prepare for the Test

DO NOT use antiseptic mouthwash before this test.

How the Test will Feel

Your throat may be sore when this test is done. You may feel like gagging when the back of your throat is touched with the swab, but the test only lasts a few seconds.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is done when a throat infection is suspected, particularly strep throat. A throat culture can also help your provider determine which antibiotic will work best for you.

Normal Results

A normal or negative result means no bacteria or other germs that may cause a sore throat were found.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal or positive result means bacteria or other germs that can cause a sore throat were seen on the throat swab.

Risks

This test is safe and easy to tolerate. In very few people, the sensation of gagging may lead to an urge to vomit or cough.

Oropharynx lesion biopsy

Throat lesion biopsy; Biopsy – mouth or throat; Mouth lesion biopsy

An oropharynx lesion biopsy is surgery in which tissue from an abnormal growth or mouth sore is removed and checked for problems.

How the Test is Performed

Painkiller or numbing medicine is first applied to the area. For large sores or sores of the throat, general anesthesia may be needed. This means you will be asleep during the procedure.

All or part of the problem area (lesion) is removed. It is sent to the laboratory to check for problems. If growth in the mouth or throat needs to be removed, the biopsy will be done first. This is followed by the actual removal of the growth.

How to Prepare for the Test

If a simple painkiller or local numbing medicine is to be used, there is no special preparation. If the test is part of a growth removal or if general anesthesia is used, you will likely be told not to eat for 6 to 8 hours before the test.

How the Test Will Feel

You may feel pressure or tugging while the tissue is being removed. After the numbness wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is done to determine the cause of a sore (lesion) in the throat.

Normal Results

This test is only done when there is an abnormal tissue area.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may mean:

• Cancer (such as squamous cell carcinoma )
• Fungal infections (such as candida)
• Histoplasmosis
• Oral lichen planus
• Precancerous sore (leukoplakia)
• Viral infections (such as Herpes simplex)

Risks

Risks of the procedure may include:

• Infection of the site
• Bleeding at the site

If there is bleeding, the blood vessels may be sealed (cauterized) with an electric current or laser.

Considerations

Avoid hot or spicy food after the biopsy.

Throat swab culture

A throat culture and sensitivity; Culture – throat

A throat swab culture is a laboratory test that is done to identify germs that may cause infection in the throat. It is most often used to diagnose strep throat.

How the Test is Performed

You will be asked to tilt your head back and open your mouth wide. Your health care provider will rub a sterile cotton swab along the back of your throat near your tonsils. You will need to resist gagging and closing your mouth while the swab touches this area.

Your provider may need to scrape the back of your throat with the swab several times. This helps improve the chances of detecting bacteria.

How to Prepare for the Test

DO NOT use antiseptic mouthwash before this test.

How the Test will Feel

Your throat may be sore when this test is done. You may feel like gagging when the back of your throat is touched with the swab, but the test only lasts a few seconds.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is done when a throat infection is suspected, particularly strep throat. A throat culture can also help your provider determine which antibiotic will work best for you.

Normal Results

A normal or negative result means no bacteria or other germs that may cause a sore throat were found.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal or positive result means bacteria or other germs that can cause a sore throat were seen on the throat swab.

Risks

This test is safe and easy to tolerate. In very few people, the sensation of gagging may lead to an urge to vomit or cough.