A pharyngeal swab is actually a long, sterilized swab with no bacteria present on the surface. The main purpose of a pharyngeal swab is to take secretions from the pharynx and tonsils for bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing. Under normal circumstances, the pharynx has a variety of flora, mainly because breathing and food need to pass through the mouth, and there will be some bacteria inside. When an infectious disease occurs, it is best to send a pharyngeal swab for bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing to be able to detect the type of disease-causing bacteria and select the most sensitive class of drugs according to the test results, and also to be able to distinguish whether it is a bacterial infection or an anaerobic infection or a fungal infection. If there is no obvious pathogenic bacteria in the throat swab, it may be caused by a viral infection and does not require the use of antibacterial agents, so pay attention to maintaining oral hygiene.

Pharyngeal swab

Pharyngeal swab specimen collection method

(i) Objective.

To take the patient's pharyngeal and tonsillar secretions for bacterial culture.

(ii) Implementation points.

1. Assessment of the patient.

(1) Understand the patient's condition, oral mucosa and pharyngeal infection.

(2) Explain to the patient and obtain cooperation.

2. Operation points.

(1) Check the medical prescription and prepare.

(2) Let the patient rinse his mouth with water, then let him open his mouth and make "ah" sound, use tongue depressor if necessary.

(3) Remove the swab from the culture tube and gently and quickly wipe both palatal arches, pharynx and tonsils.

(4) Sterilize the test tube mouth in the upper part of the flame of the alcohol lamp.

(5) Insert the swab into the test tube and cork the stopper tightly.

(6) Indicate when the specimen is to be retained and sent for examination in a timely manner.

3、Instruct the patient.

Inform the patient of the purpose of the examination, the method of collection, and the time of collection.

(3) Precautions.

1、During the operation, attention should be paid to the disinfection of the bottle mouth and keeping the container sterile.

2、It is best to collect specimens before treatment with antibacterial drugs.