Throat CultureWhat To Think About- If you need to be tested for strep throat, the
choice between a rapid strep test and a throat culture may not be clear. Talk
to your health professional about the
rapid strep test versus a throat culture.
- A culture that does not grow any bacteria or fungus
generally means that you either have a viral infection or that an infection is
not present. Other factors, such as the amount of sample, the timing of the
sample, the type of culture done, and recent use of antibiotics can prevent the
growth of bacteria or fungus in the culture.
- Sensitivity testing
may be done to help choose the antibiotic that will best treat the bacteria
causing an infection.
- Some people carry bacteria but do not have
symptoms of an infection. A throat culture is generally done only if the
person's medical history and physical examination suggest that an infection is
present.
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