Throat Culture

1. A Throat Culture is obtained by introducing a Culture Swab into the mouth. Use a tongue blade to avoid contaminating the specimen with oral secretions. Firmly swab both tonsillar fossae, posterior pharynx and any inflamed or ulcerated areas.
   
2. Use the bar code label with patient’s name and ID to identify the specimen.
3. Hold at room temperature.
4. Due to short stability, specimen must be collected and shipped to the laboratory Monday through Friday only.