Bacteriathroataerobecultorg4
A test to identify and grow bacteria from a throat swab to diagnose bacterial infections.
{"A throat culture helps detect bacterial infections like strep throat","A cotton swab is used to collect a sample from the back of your throat","Results typically take 2-3 days as bacteria need time to grow","The test identifies which specific bacteria are causing your infection","Results help doctors determine the most effective antibiotic treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17901-0
- Short code
- THRC4
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Throat Aerobe Cult org #4
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport swab in Amies or Stuart transport medium; or sterile container for expectorated specimens
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 168100008
- Specimen volume
- One throat swab; minimum acceptable specimen is a single swab with visible material from the posterior pharynx and/or tonsillar area
- Stability
- Specimen should be transported to the laboratory within 2 hours at room temperature. If delay is anticipated, refrigerate at 2-8°C and process within 24 hours of collection.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A throat bacteria culture, also called a throat swab culture or aerobic throat culture, is a laboratory test that detects and identifies bacteria causing an infection in your throat. The test involves collecting a sample from your throat using a sterile cotton swab and placing it in a special container to allow bacteria to grow.
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare provider will use a sterile cotton swab to gently rub the back of your throat and tonsils. This is a quick procedure that may cause a brief gagging sensation but only takes a few seconds. The swab is then placed in a transport medium and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
What happens in the laboratory?
In the lab, the sample is spread onto special culture plates containing nutrients that allow bacteria to grow. The plates are incubated at body temperature for several days. If bacteria grow, they are identified through various tests, and sometimes additional tests determine which antibiotics will be most effective (sensitivity testing).
Reference range
No pathogenic bacteria isolated; presence of normal oropharyngeal flora (e.g., viridans streptococci, Neisseria species, non-pathogenic diphtheroids, Haemophilus species, Staphylococcus epidermidis) is expectedN/A
Patient should refrain from eating, drinking, gargling, using mouthwash, chewing gum, or brushing teeth for at least 30 minutes prior to specimen collection. Antibiotic therapy should be documented as recent antibiotic use may affect culture results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does a throat culture hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
What if my test is negative?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy