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Nasopharyngeal culture is a sample of secretions from the uppermost part of the throat, behind the nose, to detect organisms that can cause disease.
Alternative NamesCulture - nasopharyngeal; Swab for respiratory viruses; Swab for Staph carriage
How the test is performedYou will be asked to cough before the test begins and then tilt your head back. A sterile cotton-tipped swab is gently passed through the nostril and into the nasopharynx, the part of the pharynx that covers the roof of the mouth. The swab is quickly rotated and then removed.
How to prepare for the testThere is no special preparation necessary.
How the test will feelYou may experience slight discomfort and may gag.
Why the test is performedThe test identifies viruses and bacteria that cause upper respiratory tract symptoms. Nasopharyngeal cultures are useful in identifying respiratory viruses, and bacteria such as:
- Bordetella pertussis
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Staphylococcus aureus
The culture may be used to help determine which antibiotic therapy is appropriate.
Normal ValuesThe presence of organisms commonly found in the nasopharynx is normal.
What abnormal results meanThe presence of any disease-causing virus, bacteria, or fungus means these organisms may be involved in your infection.
What the risks areThere are no risks.
What else can I help you with?
What risks exist for the patient in undergoing a nasopharyngeal culture?
There is little to no risk involved in a nasopharyngeal culture.
What alternative procedures may be used to do a nasopharyngeal culture?
In most cases of upper respiratory tract infections, a throat culture is more appropriate than a nasopharyngeal culture. However, the nasopharyngeal culture should be used in cases where throat cultures are difficult to obtain or to.
What is a nasopharyngeal culture?
A nasopharyngeal culture is used to identify pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms present in the nasal cavity that may cause upper respiratory tract symptoms.
What characteristics does a normal nasopharyngeal culture have?
Bacteria that normally grow in the nose cavity will be identified by a nasopharyngeal culture. These include nonhemolytic streptococci, alpha-hemolytic streptococci, some Neisseria species, and some types of staphylococci.
What characteristics does an abnormal nasopharyngeal culture have?
Pathogenic organisms that might be identified by this culture include: Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, Corynebacterium diptheriae, the causative agent of diptheria.
What is the purpose of a nasopharyngeal culture?
The most serious of these organisms is Neisseriea meningitidis, which causes meningitis or blood stream infection in infants. By culturing a sample from the nasopharynx, the physician can identify this organism, and others.
How should patients be prepared for a nasopharyngeal culture?
The procedure of inserting the swab should be described to the patient, as there is a slight discomfort associated with taking the sample. Other than that, no special preparation is necessary.
What precautions need to be taken when doing a nasopharyngeal culture?
The technician taking the specimen should wear gloves to prevent spreading infectious organisms. The patient should not be taking antibiotics, as these drugs may influence the test results.
How is a nasopharyngeal culture done?
The patient should cough before collection of the specimen. Then, as the patient tilts his or her head backwards, the caregiver will inspect the back of the throat using a penlight and tongue depressor. A swab on a flexible wire is inserted into.
What test is used to diagnose whooping cough and pneumonia is what?
Whooping cough is typically diagnosed using a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test or a culture from a nasopharyngeal swab. For pneumonia, diagnosis often involves a chest X-ray and may be confirmed with sputum cultures or blood tests. Both conditions can sometimes be identified through clinical evaluation based on symptoms.
Is there a diagnostic skin test for pertussis and diphtheria?
There is no specific diagnostic skin test for pertussis or diphtheria. Pertussis is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, such as PCR or culture of nasopharyngeal swabs. Diphtheria diagnosis also relies on clinical symptoms and laboratory confirmation through cultures or PCR testing from throat swabs. Vaccination history and exposure to infected individuals are considered in the overall assessment.
What culture is similar to the NACIREMA culture?
the nacirema culture is a culture that is a culture.(Ha WEIRD mee)
