A throat swab, also known as a pharyngeal swab, is a common diagnostic test used to collect samples from the back of the throat for microbiological analysis. This procedure is often performed to identify the presence of bacteria or viruses causing throat infections, such as streptococcal bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes) or respiratory viruses.
THROAT SWAB
The specimen is collected from the patients with upper respiratory tract infection. The upper respiratory tract can be the site of several types of infection
Purpose
- To detect the causative microorganism
- To diagnose the disease condition
- To detect the correct antibiotics for effective treatment
Indications
- Pharyngitis sometimes involving tonsillitis and giving rise to a “sore throat”
- Nasopharyngitis
- Otitis media
- Sinusitis
- Epiglottis
General Instructions
- Pharyngitis is by far the most frequent one most cases of pharyngitis have a viral etiology and follow a self-limiting course
- Approximately 20% are caused by bacteria and usually require treatment with appropriate antibiotics
- Specimen should be collect by a physician or other trained personnel
- Swab can be collected after asking the patient to gargle with sterile saline
Preliminary Assessment
Check
- The doctors order for any specific instructions
- General condition and diagnosis
- Mental status to follow instructions
- Self-care ability of the patient
- Articles available in the unit
Preparation of the Patient and Environment
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- Arrange the articles at the bedside
- Provide privacy if needed
- Obtain laboratory request and specimen container
- Place the patient comfortably in sitting or semi-sitting position
Equipment
- Sterile or clean gloves
- Specimen container
- Gauze pieces
- Paper bag and K-basin
- Torch light (if needed)
- Tongue depressor
Procedure
- The patient should sit in from of a light source
- Tongue should be kept down with a tongue depressor and a cotton wool swab is rubber vigorously over each tonsil, over the back wall of the pharynx and over any other inflamed area
- Care should be taken not to touch the tongue or buccal surfaces
- It is preferable to take 2 swabs from the same area
- One can be used to prepare a smear, while the other is placed into glass or plastic sterile container
After Care
- Label and send the container immediately to the laboratory
- Discard the disposable items used
- Replace the articles after cleaning
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Record the procedure in the nurse’s record sheet
