31

SKILL 10

Throat Culture

EQUIPMENT
Applicator (swab or flexible wire) in sterile culture tube
Tongue blade
Penlight
Gloves, nonsterile
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
1. Check physicians order. Ensures appropriate specimen
obtained from the correct child.
2. Check child for allergies to any materials used, e.g.,
povidone-iodine.
3. Prepare child and family. Enhances cooperation/participation; reduces anxiety/fear.
NOTE: Have an assistant hold/comfort the child as necessary and in accordance with agency policy.
4. Gather equipment. Promotes organization and efficiency.
5. Wash hands. Don gloves. Reduces transmission of
microorganisms.

NOTE: Swab only one side. Check agency policy

regarding obtaining a second specimen from the other
side.
8. Withdraw swab without touching adjacent structure.
Avoids contamination of the specimen.
9. Place applicator in culture tube. Crush ampule at the
bottom. Place applicator tip in culture medium to preserve bacteria.
10. Secure top to culture tube. Label specimen and place in
appropriate bag or container along with laboratory requisition slips.
11. Dispose of any used materials in appropriate container.
Is consistent with body fluid precautions.
12. Remove gloves. Wash hands. Reduces transmission of
microorganisms.
13. Send specimen to lab.
DOCUMENTATION
1. Time, source/site, specimen sent to lab (specify for what
test).
2. Record results of any test performed on the unit.

PROCEDURE
1. Steps 15 of General Guidelines.
2. Position child for access to throat.
3. Prepare applicator for use by loosening the top of the
container. Avoids contamination of applicator.
4. Ask child to tilt head back, open mouth, and say ah.
Promotes visualization, relaxes throat muscles, and minimizes gag reflex.
5. Depress anterior 1/3 of tongue with tongue blade.
Promotes visualization.
NOTE: May induce gag reflex.
6. Insert swab without touching lips, teeth, or tongue.
Prevents contamination with oral flora.
7. Swab tonsillar area from side to side with quick, gentle
motion. Ensures collection of microorganisms for testing
and minimizes childs discomfort.

Copyright 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.