Health Tip: Having a Throat Culture?

Here's what to expect

Related Encyclopedia • Abscess • Acoustic Neurinoma • Actinomycosis • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Adult) More... Related Healthscout Videos Fighting HIV and AIDS: New Research Targeting Tumors Blood Cleaner New AIDS Drugs More... Related Drug Information • Abilify • Augmentin • Bactroban Cream • Bactroban Ointment More... Related News Articles • Freeze-Dried Formula May Block HIV Virus in Breast Milk • Vaginal Microbicides Might Help More Men Than Women • Thickness, Location Predict Skin Cancer's Spread • FDA Mandates Black Box Warning for Some Antibiotics More...

(HealthDay News) -- A throat culture is a diagnostic test that's often used to diagnose strep throat. While not painful, a throat culture may be uncomfortable and rather frightening for children.

Text Continues Below

---

Here is information to help you prepare for a throat culture, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• A throat culture is taken by using a long stick with cotton on the end to swab the throat and check for bacteria.
• Gagging is common during a throat culture, but try to resist the reflex.
• You shouldn't use an antiseptic mouthwash before the test.
• Side effects and pain are rare from a throat culture, but some people may feel nauseous, or may vomit or cough.
• The presence of abnormal bacteria on the culture indicates an infection, often strep throat.

-- Diana Kohnle