Altavas, Sophia Krystll D.

Microbiology Laboratory BSN 1-F 02/28/19

Throat Specimen Collection

1. Own Interpretation of throat specimen collection

-Throat specimen collection is done to determine any presence of bacteria,
fungal or viral infection within the throat (pharynx). This type of specimen
collection focuses on identification of certain diseases or condition which includes
pneumonia, whooping cough, tonsillitis, pharyngitis or any infection in the throat
which could help in early detection and treatment.

2. Choose one (1) condition in which your assigned type of specimen

collection is applicable.
-Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that is usually caused by infection.
Pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling irritants such as vomit, liquids, or
chemicals. With pneumonia, the air sacs in the lungs fill with liquid or pus, which
interferes with the lungs' ability to transfer oxygen to the blood.
Tests for pneumonia include blood samples, a swab from inside the nose or
throat, urine or sputum (phlegm) to try to identify the cause of the pneumonia.
Pharynx or the throat is part of the upper respiratory tract in which pneumonia is
applicable since it is concern on the 2 divisions of respiratory system. Detection
of the Streptococcus pneumonia in the throat could give hints to the underlying
condition of the client inclined with any respiratory inflammation of infection.
3. Discuss the following:
- How it is performed or done
1.) Your doctor will ask you to open your mouth and tilt your head back. (If
necessary, your doctor may use a tongue depressor). This can help your doctor
have a better view of the back of your throat.

2.) They will then rub a sterile cotton swab across the back of your throat, your
tonsils, and any other sore areas for a few seconds in a gently manner. The
swab will collect a sample of the secretions being produced in the back of your
throat.

3.) Never touch the lips, teeth, tongue and cheeks in inserting the swab

4.) Carefully withdraw the swab without touching the oral structures

5.) Securely attach properly with complete label(name & date of birth) &
requisition slip to side of specimen container

6.) Enclose the specimen in a plastic bag

7.) The sample your doctor collects is taken to a laboratory. (Refrigerate if

necessary) It will be put on a plate that allows any bacteria on it to grow. The
process of growing the bacteria in the sample is called a culture.

8.) Chemical tests are conducted on the cultured sample in order to determine if
there are any harmful bacteria, and what type of bacteria are present. It usually
takes a couple of days to culture the bacteria so you may have to wait some time
to receive your test results.

9.) Complete procedure by documenting the following:

Time, type of specimen, sent with requisition slip & patient responses

!!! There are no risks or complications associated with a throat swab culture.

- Any pre-requisites needed for the clients/patients to comply:

>The test may cause momentary gagging because the back of the throat is a
sensitive area, but it shouldn’t be painful.
> Patients may need to wait for the results from the culture process.
 > Patients need to listen to the instructions for the procedure

-Materials/ equipment needed for the procedure:

> sterile cotton swab
> penlight
>tongue depressor
>plastic bag(container)

- How the specimen is transported to the laboratory:

>Secure it in a plastic bag/container
>Make sure the container is labelled with patient’s name and birth date and time
it was brought.
> Send specimen immediately or refrigerate it

4. Identify one (1) normal and one (1) abnormal result of your assigned
specimen collection (with significance for each).
- Normal result: A negative throat swab culture means that no infectious
bacteria are present in your throat. There would be absence of Streptococcus
pneumonia.

-Abnormal result: A positive test indicates the presence of streptococci or for

the case of Pneumonia “Streptococcus pneumoniae” (the bacteria that causes
strep throat) or other bacteria for Pneumonia. If the person coughs with the
positive result, the bacteria may be transmitted through vehicular transmission(air
transmission) which is highly contagious. Since the person is having a bacterial
infection brought by S. pneumonia, the person may need to be prescribed by
doctor with antibiotics with certain dosages.

5. Give at least 5 nursing responsibilities (before, during, after)

Before:
>Prepare materials needed
>Keep the materials sterile and clean
>Secure doctor’s order
>Wear personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks.
>Do hand washing

During:
>Validate the client’s identity
>Instruct the client about the procedure
>Let the client be in a comfortable position in accordance to the procedure
>Tell the patient that gaggling is a normal reaction
>Secure the patient’s privacy

After:
>Document time type of specimen, sent with requisition slip & patient responses
>Do aftercare
>Label the sample with client’s name
> Deliver the specimen sample to the lab on time (refrigerate if necessary)
>Do medical hand washing