ThroatSwabs

Throat swabs are a method of obtaining specimens from the throat region for microbiological analysis. A sterile swab is used to sample the oropharynx, typically the tonsillar pillars and posterior pharyngeal wall, while avoiding contact with the tongue, teeth, or cheek. They may be collected as part of oropharyngeal sampling or as a component of nasopharyngeal sampling, depending on the suspected infection and testing method. Throat swabs are commonly used to diagnose streptococcal pharyngitis, viral upper respiratory infections, and other conditions affecting the throat. They are also used to detect carriage or infection with organisms such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the pharynx and for research purposes.

Collection techniques vary by site. For an oropharyngeal swab, the clinician depresses the tongue with a tongue depressor, then swabs the tonsillar areas and posterior pharyngeal wall, rotating the swab to maximize contact and avoiding contact with the lips, teeth, or tongue. For a nasopharyngeal swab, a flexible swab is inserted through the nostril to reach the nasopharynx. After collection, the swab is typically placed in a transport medium and sent to a laboratory.

Laboratory testing may involve culture to identify bacteria or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect specific pathogens, such as group A Streptococcus, influenza viruses, or SARS-CoV-2. Rapid antigen tests are also used at the point of care for certain indications. Interpretation should consider clinical presentation, timing relative to illness, and potential sampling limitations, as improper technique or prior antibiotic use can yield false negatives.

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