A nasopharyngeal culture test is an examination of secretions from the top region of the throat, behind the nose, to find organisms that can cause disease.

What are nasopharyngeal swabs and cultures, and how do they work?

In order to determine whether or not an individual has upper respiratory infections, nasopharyngeal swabs are taken from the nose and mouth. Respiratory viruses that have been acquired in the community are responsible for nearly all infections. In addition to coughing and a runny nose, these infections are often accompanied by other symptoms. The inspection is short and without discomfort.

To establish whether you have chronic sinusitis, your doctor will take a swab of mucus from the back of your nose and the back of your throat (the region of the pharynx that covers the roof of the mouth). If a rapid diagnostic test for influenza and respiratory Syncytial Virus is available, it will be used to screen for these diseases (RSV).

The swab will be submitted to a laboratory where it will be examined for the presence of viruses. Additional swabs may be taken for the detection of germs and fungi in some cases. Identifying the organisms that are causing your symptoms can assist your doctor in providing you with the most appropriate treatment.

What is the purpose of taking a nasopharyngeal swab and culture?

If you experience symptoms such as the following, you may require a nasopharyngeal swab test with or without culture:

• There’s a new cough.
• A runny nose is a common complaint.
• Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, and muscle aches and pains.

These signs and symptoms can be indicative of infections caused by a variety of viruses and, on rare occasions, bacteria. Some therapies are only effective against specific types of microbes.

Other than symptomatic relief, there are no effective treatments for many viruses. A nasopharyngeal swab and culture can help determine if you have the following conditions:

• MRSA which is an example of an uncommon or antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria.
• Infection with Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough).
• Influenza.
• The respiratory syncytial virus is a virus that affects the respiratory tract.
• Infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus in the nose and throat.

When and how frequently should I have this test performed?

A variety of factors can influence when and how frequently laboratory tests are performed. The findings of other tests, procedures, or treatments may influence when laboratory tests are performed, as well as when they are completed. Lab tests may be performed immediately; however, tests may be postponed while a condition is being treated or monitored. In the event that specific indications or symptoms occur, a test may be indicated or may become necessary.

Because your body naturally operates differently throughout the day, certain lab tests might have to be performed at specific times of the day. If you have altered your diet or hydration intake in order to prepare for a test, your lab tests may be scheduled to coincide with those modifications. When tests are performed, they may be timed to coincide with increased and decreasing levels of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other substances in the body.

The age or gender of the person who is being tested may have an impact on when and how frequently a lab test is performed. Chronic or progressive illnesses may necessitate the use of lab tests on a regular basis to ensure that they are being monitored properly. Conditions that develop and recover over time may necessitate periodic evaluation. Certain tests may need to be repeated in order to achieve a series of results, or tests may need to be repeated in order to validate or reject the results obtained in the first round. When laboratory tests are performed for professional or legal purposes, the timing and frequency of the testing may vary.

Do I need to do anything in advance of my nasopharyngeal swab and culture test?

You don’t need to do anything special in order to prepare for this examination. Your doctor will be able to administer the test in their office.

What happens during a nasopharyngeal swab and culture test?

This test, which can be done with or without culture, is performed in the doctor’s office and takes around 15 minutes to complete. During the examination, the following occurred:

• You will sit with your shoulders back and your head held high when you visit your doctor.
• In order to protect you, your doctor or nurse will put on a mask and gloves.
• In order to do the treatment, your doctor or nurse will insert a clean, cotton-tipped swab horizontally through your nostril and gently spin it until it reaches the rear of your nasal passage.

This procedure can be done in the other nostril. If a bacterial culture is required, you may be given a different nasal swab or even a throat swab to use.

What is the procedure for conducting the test?

An aspirate or wash of the nose and throat is performed to collect cell samples from the upper region of your nose and throat. You will be asked to tilt your head back in order to get a nasopharyngeal swab. The individual performing the test will place a unique type of swab into one of your nostrils, and the results will be recorded. The swab will be swirled gently and then held motionless for a few seconds before being withdrawn from the patient’s mouth. 

This is done in order to ensure that the swab collects a large enough sample to be examined. This procedure will be repeated in the other nostril. Aspiration or washing involves the healthcare professional using a syringe to inject a little amount of sterilized saline into your nose, followed by either gentle suction (for the aspiration) or gravity to collect the resultant fluid (saline and mucou ) into a cup. After that, the sample is transported to a laboratory for analysis.

What should I do in order to prepare for the test?

There is no need to prepare for this test because there is none.

What can you expect from the test?

The level of discomfort you experience will be determined by a variety of factors, including your pain threshold. Communicate your feelings to the person who will be administering the test. If you believe that you are unable to continue with the test, please inform the person conducting it.

When a nasopharyngeal swab, aspirate, or wash is performed, you may experience mild discomfort if the swab or fluid enters the nostrils during the procedure. During the process, you may experience nausea and coughing.

What are the expected outcomes of this test?

The results of laboratory tests may differ depending on your age, gender, health history, the method employed for the test, and various other factors. If your results are different from the ones mentioned here, it is possible that you may not have a disease. For clarification, you should speak with your healthcare professional. 

What are the dangers associated with having a nasopharyngeal swab and culture test performed on me?

There are few dangers associated with a nasopharyngeal swab test, whether it is performed with or without culture. During the test, you may experience some gag reflexes. You may also have some discomfort, but you should not experience any agony. It is possible that you will experience a small nosebleed afterward.

What actions should I take as a result of this test?

Inquire with your healthcare provider about how you will be notified of the test findings. It is possible that you will be asked to call for results, that you will be scheduled for an appointment to discuss results, or that you will be notified of results by mail. The type of follow-up care you receive is dependent on a variety of criteria connected to your test. After you have been told of the results of a test, you may not receive any further communication. 

In other cases, further investigation may be recommended or required. Some examples of follow-up care include modifications to medication or treatment regimens, referral to a specialist, more or less frequent monitoring, and the addition of tests or procedures to the original diagnosis. Discuss any concerns or questions you have with your healthcare provider about the follow-up treatment or instructions you will be receiving.