MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Nasopharyngeal culture

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Nasopharyngeal culture

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Nasopharyngeal culture

Alternative names Return to top

Culture - nasopharyngeal; Swab for respiratory viruses; Swab for Staph carriage

Definition Return to top

Nasopharyngeal culture is a sample of nasopharyngeal secretions that is obtained and grown in a culture medium to detect the presence of organisms that can cause disease.

How the test is performed Return to top

You 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 test Return to top

Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

The patient may experience slight discomfort and may gag.

Why the test is performed Return to top

The test identifies microorganisms that cause upper-respiratory tract symptoms. Nasopharyngeal cultures are useful in identifying respiratory viruses, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bordetella pertussis, and Neisseria meningitidis (types of bacteria). The culture may be used to test for appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Normal Values Return to top

The presence of organisms commonly found in the nasopharynx is normal.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Pathogens (any virus, bacteria, or fungus that can cause disease) are found.

What the risks are Return to top

There are no risks.

Special considerations Return to top

Not applicable.

Update Date: 1/26/2004

Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.