Bacterial Culture (Throat Swab)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Microbiology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

TS

Test Code (Numeric Code)

2009

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

24 hours

Synonyms

Culture

Turnaround Time

3 days

Negative reports are issued at 48 hours.

Specimen Type

• Throat Swab

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Swab - Bacterial

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Swab - Bacterial

Pre-testing Requirements

Swab tonsils, tonsillar areas, pharynx, and areas of inflammation, exudation or ulceration.

Specify on request form if:
Diphtheria or gonococcal pharyngitis is suspected clinically, or if Neisseria meningitidis carriage is being investigated.
Thrush (yeast) or quinsy is suspected.
Pertussis (whooping cough) is suspected, see Bordetella pertussis.

Contact Information