Throat Swab Culture and Sensitivity is a diagnostic test used to detect bacterial infections in the throat, such as strep throat, tonsillitis, and other upper respiratory infections. The test involves collecting a sample from the back of the throat and tonsils using a sterile swab. The sample is then cultured in the laboratory to identify the presence of pathogenic bacteria. Sensitivity testing determines which antibiotics are most effective in treating the identified bacteria, guiding the appropriate treatment plan.
Patient Preparation for Throat Swab Culture and Sensitivity
Fasting Requirements:
- Fasting: No fasting is required for this test. However, it is advisable that patients avoid eating, drinking, or using mouthwash 1-2 hours before the test to ensure the accuracy of the sample.
Other Preparations:
- Avoid Antibiotics: If possible, patients should not take antibiotics before the test unless instructed otherwise, as it may affect the test results.
- Oral Hygiene: Patients should brush their teeth and rinse their mouth with water to remove any food particles, but should avoid antiseptic mouthwashes or lozenges before the test.
Sample Collection by Speediagno Phlebotomist:
Speediagno ensures that throat swab collection is performed by trained healthcare professionals who follow strict protocols to obtain accurate results while minimizing patient discomfort.
Preparation for Sample Collection:
- Identify the Patient: The healthcare professional confirms the patient’s identity using at least two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).
- Consent and Explanation: The procedure is explained to the patient, and consent is obtained to make the patient feel at ease.
Throat Swab Collection Process:
- Hand Hygiene and PPE: The healthcare provider performs hand hygiene and wears appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves and a mask, to maintain infection control standards.
- Position the Patient: The patient is asked to sit comfortably with their head tilted slightly back. They are instructed to open their mouth wide and say "ah," which helps relax the throat and expose the tonsils.
- Tongue Depression: A tongue depressor may be used to gently hold down the tongue, providing a clear view of the throat and tonsils.
- Swab Collection: Using a sterile swab, the healthcare provider gently but firmly swabs the back of the throat, tonsils, and any visibly inflamed or pus-covered areas. Care is taken to avoid touching the tongue, cheeks, or lips to prevent contamination of the swab.
- Sample Handling: The swab is carefully placed into a sterile transport tube and secured. The tube is then labeled correctly with the patient’s details.
Post-Collection Care:
- Patient Instructions: The patient is advised that they may feel a temporary gagging sensation during the swab collection but should recover quickly. They are encouraged to report any persistent discomfort or symptoms following the procedure.
- Sample Transport: The sample is promptly sent to the laboratory under controlled conditions to maintain its integrity, where it is cultured and tested for bacterial growth.
Safety and Hygiene Protocols:
- Disposal of Used Items: All disposable items, such as swabs and tongue depressors, are disposed of in biohazard containers to maintain hygiene and safety standards.
- Documentation: The procedure is documented, and the sample is tracked to ensure accurate processing and reporting.
This thorough and professional approach ensures the collection of high-quality samples for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning for bacterial throat infections.
All test groups and subgroup
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THROAT SWAB CULTURE AND SENSITIVITY
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Culture Method
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Sample
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Culture Report: Culture yields growth of
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Antibiotic Sensitivity (Kirby - Bauer Disc Diffusion Method)
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Amoxicillin(AMX)
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Azithromycin(AZ)
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Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid (AMC)
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Penicillin-G (P)
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Cefazolin(CFZ)
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Co-Trimoxazole (SXT)
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Cephalexin(CFM)
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Cefuroxime(XM)
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Erythromycin(EM)
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Piperacillin(PL)
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Tetracycline (TE)
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Chloramphenicol(C)
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Ciprofloxacin(CL)
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Ofloxacin(OF)
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