Bacteriathroataerobecultorg5
A throat culture is a laboratory test that identifies bacteria growing in your throat to help diagnose infections such as strep throat.
{"This test finds harmful bacteria in your throat that may be causing infection","It helps doctors determine if you need antibiotics","Results typically take 2-3 days to complete","A simple throat swab is used to collect the sample","The test can identify if you are a carrier of certain bacteria"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17902-8
- Short code
- THRC5
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Throat Aerobe Cult org #5
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport swab in Amies or Stuart's transport medium, or aerobic culturette system
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87081
- SNOMED
- 428991006
- Specimen volume
- Single throat swab collected from the posterior pharynx and tonsillar areas
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours in transport medium; do not freeze
- 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 an aerobe culture, is a test that collects a sample from your throat using a sterile swab. The sample is then placed in a special environment that allows bacteria to grow so they can be identified. This helps your doctor understand what type of bacteria is causing your symptoms and choose the most effective treatment.
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 may cause a brief gagging sensation but should not be painful. The swab is then placed in a container and sent to a laboratory for testing.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a throat infection such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or white patches on your tonsils. The test helps distinguish between bacterial infections (like strep throat) and viral infections (like the common cold), which is important because bacterial infections may require antibiotics while viral infections do not.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria identified (fifth isolate reported from throat aerobic culture)N/A
Patient should refrain from eating, drinking, gargling, or using antiseptic mouthwash for at least 30 minutes prior to specimen collection. Recent antibiotic therapy should be disclosed to the laboratory.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
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?
What happens if bacteria are found?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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