Neisseria throat culture (with sensitivity to antimicrobials)
This test helps identify and detect specific bacteria, including *Neisseria*, that may be causing an infection in your throat or respiratory tract. It also checks how your body responds to antibiotics.
["A throat culture helps diagnose infections and guides antibiotic treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43383-9
- Short code
- Neisseria Throat Cult
- Synonyms
- Neisseria Throat Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like sore throat, fever, or difficulty swallowing. It’s also used to confirm infections in people with recurring throat issues, immune conditions, or after exposure to certain bacteria. This test helps rule out serious infections like strep throat, gonococcal pharyngitis, or other *Neisseria* species.
What Does the Test Involve?
A swab is gently taken from the back of your throat and placed on a special growth medium in a lab. The swab is then sent to a lab where bacteria grow over 24–48 hours. If *Neisseria* bacteria are present, they’ll appear as colonies on the culture plate. The lab may also test for antibiotic resistance.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result means *Neisseria* bacteria (such as *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* or *Neisseria meningitidis*) were found. This could indicate an infection requiring treatment with antibiotics. The type of bacteria and any antibiotic resistance patterns will guide your doctor’s treatment plan.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means no *Neisseria* bacteria were detected in your throat sample. However, other bacteria or viruses could still be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend follow-up testing or different treatments if needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing infections like gonococcal pharyngitis (a throat infection caused by *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*), which can spread easily and may require urgent treatment. It also helps monitor for *Neisseria meningitidis* (meningococcus), which can cause serious infections like meningitis. Early identification allows for targeted antibiotic therapy to prevent complications.
Short name
Throat culture for bacteria
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from a throat culture?
Can I eat or drink before the throat culture?
Is there any risk or discomfort with a throat culture?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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