Strep Test: Throat Culture

Why Is a Throat Culture Done?

A throat culture is done to help see whether a child's sore throat is caused by a strep infection vs. other germs (usually viruses) that don't require antibiotic treatment.

Health care providers may do a throat culture if a child:

• has symptoms of a strep throat infection and doesn't have symptoms typical of a viral infection
• has a sore throat and has been exposed to someone known to have a strep throat, or if there are many strep throat cases in the community

How Can I Prepare My Child for a Throat Culture?

Encourage your child to stay still during the procedure so the health care provider can collect a good sample for an accurate test. Be sure to tell them if your child has taken antibiotics recently, and don't have your child use mouthwash before the test, as it may affect test results.

How Is a Throat Culture Done?

Swabbing only takes a few seconds. A health care provider will have your child open their mouth as wide as possible. They might press your child's tongue down with a flat stick (tongue depressor) to clearly examine the mouth and throat. Using a clean, soft cotton swab, they'll lightly brush over the back of the throat, around the tonsils, and over any red or sore areas to collect a sample.

You might want to hold a young child on your lap during the procedure to prevent them from moving around, which could make it harder to get a good sample.

What Should My Child Expect From a Throat Culture?

Your child may feel like gagging when the swab touches the back of the throat. If your child's throat is sore, the swabbing may briefly cause slight pain.

When Are the Results Ready From a Throat Culture?

Throat culture test results are generally ready in 2 days.

What Are the Risks of a Throat Culture?

Throat swabs can be uncomfortable, but there are no risks with a throat culture.

What If I Have Questions About the Throat Culture?

If you have questions about the throat culture, speak with your doctor.