LAB TEST
Nasopharyngeal culture
Nasopharyngeal culture is a test that examines a sample of secretions from the uppermost part of the throat, behind the nose, to detect organisms that can cause disease.
How the Test is Performed
You will be asked to cough before the test begins and then tilt your head back. A sterile cotton-tipped swab is gently passed through a nostril and into your nasopharynx. This is the part of the pharynx that covers the roof of the mouth. The swab is quickly rotated and removed. The sample is sent to a laboratory.…
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed.
How the Test will Feel
You may have slight discomfort and may gag.
Why the Test is Performed
The test identifies viruses and bacteria that cause upper respiratory tract symptoms. These include: Bordetella pertussis , the bacteria that cause whooping cough Neisseria meningitidis , the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis Staphylococcus aureus , the bacteria that cause staph infections…
Normal Results
The presence of organisms commonly found in the nasopharynx is normal.
What Abnormal Results Mean
The presence of any disease-causing virus, bacteria, or fungus means these organisms may be causing your infection. Sometimes, organisms like Staphylococcus aureus can be present without causing disease. This test can help identify resistant strains of this organism (MRSA) so that people can be isolated when necessary.
Risks
A minor nose bleed can occur, but it is rare.
References
L'Huillier AG, Torriani G, Pigny F, Kaiser L, Eckerle I. Culture-competent SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharynx of symptomatic neonates, children, and adolescents. Emerg Infect Dis . 2020;26(10):2494-2497. PMID: 32603290 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32603290/ . Patel R. The clinician and the microbiology laboratory: test ordering,…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 25/11/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.