Throat culture

Overview

A throat culture is a test to find out if you have a bacterial infection in your throat. A doctor or nurse uses a soft swab to gently wipe the back of your throat, then the swab is sent to a lab to see if bacteria grow. It helps tell the difference between a viral sore throat and a bacterial one, like strep throat.

Yes, throat cultures are very common. Doctors often do them when someone has a sore throat with certain symptoms that suggest a bacterial infection.

Anyone can have a throat culture, but they are most often done on children and teenagers because they are more likely to get strep throat. Adults with severe sore throat and fever may also need one.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sore throat that comes on quickly
• Pain when swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils
• White patches or pus on the tonsils
• Fever (temperature higher than 38°C)
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Symptoms in children

• Sore throat with fever
• Headache and stomach ache
• Vomiting or feeling sick
• Refusing to eat or drink

Symptoms in older adults

• Sore throat with fever but less obvious redness
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Hoarse voice
• Tiredness and body aches

Causes

Main causes

• The most common reason for a throat culture is to check for group A Streptococcus bacteria, which cause strep throat.
• Other bacterial infections, like those from staph or certain strains of Haemophilus, can also be found this way.
• Viral infections do not show up on a throat culture, so the test helps rule out bacteria.

Risk factors

• Being a child or teenager between 5 and 15 years old
• Living or working in close quarters, like schools, daycares, or military camps
• Having close contact with someone who has a confirmed strep throat infection
• Weakened immune system from illness or medication

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sore throat with high fever that does not respond to simple pain relievers
• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• White patches on your tonsils

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a sore throat that lasts more than 48 hours
• If you have a known exposure to someone with strep throat
• If your sore throat keeps coming back

Diagnosis

A throat culture is the main way to diagnose a bacterial throat infection. The doctor or nurse will use a sterile cotton swab to gently wipe the back of your throat and tonsils. The swab is then placed in a container and sent to a lab to see if bacteria grow.

Tests that may be done

• Throat culture: The swab is left to grow in a special dish for 2–3 days. If bacteria grow, the lab can identify them.
• Rapid strep test: A quick test that can show results in about 10 minutes. It is less accurate than a full culture, so if it is negative, a culture may still be done.

What to expect at your appointment

The test is quick and usually takes less than a minute. You may feel a slight gagging sensation, but it is not painful. You can eat and drink normally after the test. Results from a culture may take a couple of days, so your doctor might start treatment based on symptoms and rapid test results.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. If the throat culture shows a bacterial infection, your doctor will talk to you about antibiotics. If it is viral, antibiotics will not help, and you will be advised to rest and manage symptoms.

Self-care at home

• Rest your voice and body
• Drink plenty of warm fluids like herbal tea with honey
• Gargle with warm salt water to soothe your throat
• Use over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen, as directed by your pharmacist or doctor
• Eat soft, cool foods like yogurt or ice cream if swallowing is painful

Medical treatments

If the throat culture confirms a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. It is very important to take the full course, even if you feel better sooner. Antibiotics help prevent complications and make the infection less contagious. Never share or stop antibiotics early without talking to your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. In some children who get strep throat infections many times a year, a doctor may consider a tonsillectomy (removing the tonsils). This decision is made carefully with a specialist.

Living with this condition

If you have a diagnosed bacterial throat infection, stay home from work or school until you have been on antibiotics for 24 hours and your fever is gone. Get plenty of rest and keep up with fluids.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often to stop the infection from spreading
• Do not share cups, utensils, or toothbrushes until the infection is over
• Keep your living space well-ventilated

Diet and exercise

Eat mild, soft foods that are easy to swallow. Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough foods. Drink lots of water. Do light activities as you feel able, but avoid vigorous exercise until your fever and soreness are gone.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being sick with a sore throat can make you feel tired and irritable. It is normal to feel anxious about the test or the recovery. Remember that most infections clear up completely with time.

Prevention

You cannot completely prevent getting a sore throat, but you can reduce your risk of bacterial throat infections by practising good hygiene and staying away from people who are sick.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine specifically for strep throat. However, staying up to date with general vaccinations, like the flu vaccine, can help keep your immune system strong.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for throat infections. A throat culture is done only when you have symptoms that suggest a bacterial infection.

Complications

If left untreated

• Rheumatic fever – a rare but serious condition that can affect the heart, joints, and brain
• Kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis)
• Ear or sinus infections
• Abscess around the tonsils (peritonsillar abscess) that may need draining

Long-term outlook

The outlook is excellent. Most throat infections get better on their own or with simple treatment. If bacteria are found, antibiotics work very well, and complications are rare. Once you recover, you usually have no lasting problems.

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