Test Code 8899 Culture (Throat)
Purpose
Identifying life-threatening organisms in children and geriatric patients. The cultures are generally used in cases of epiglottitis and when organisms other than Group A streptococcus are suspected.
Performing Laboratory
Copley Hospital
Methodology
Conventional Culture Technique
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Throat
Container/Tube: Swab
Specimen Volume: Swab in Container
Collection Instructions:
1. Label specimen with patient’s full name, date of birth,
date & time of collection, and person collecting.
2. Depress the toungue with a tongue depressor, Sample the
posterior pharynx, tonsils, and inflamed areas with a sterile swab.
3. Transport swab at room temperature.
Reference Values
Normal: No Growth
Critical: Pathogen Detected
Pathogens: H. influenzae
S. pyogenes, Group A beta strep.
N. gonorrhoeae
Staph. coagulase positive
Strep. Pneumonia
Neisseria meningitidis
Candida albicans (Thrush)
Stability
Room Temperature: 24 Hours
Day(s) Performed
Daily
Analytical Time: 2 Days
Aliases
Culture (Throat)
Throat Culture
Culture
Throat
Test Classification & CPT Coding
NA