Throat Culture

Quick Strep Test, Rapid Strep Test

Results

A throat culture is a test to find a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection in the throat. Throat culture test results are ready in 1 to 2 days, depending on which bacteria are being tested for. Test results for a fungus may take about 7 days.

Rapid strep test results are ready in 10 to 15 minutes. This test does not show if you have viral or fungal infections.

Rapid strep test

Normal (negative results):	No strep bacteria are present. A throat culture may be recommended.
Abnormal (positive results):	Strep throat is present. Antibiotics can be started immediately.

Throat culture

Normal (negative)	No infection (bacteria, fungi, or viruses) grows in the culture.
Abnormal (positive)	Bacteria grows in the culture. Some bacterial throat infections include: Strep throat. Diphtheria (Corynebacterium diphtheriae). Whooping cough (Bordetella pertussis).
	The fungus that causes thrush (Candida albicans) may also grow in the culture.
	Viruses that grow in the culture include: Enterovirus. Epstein-Barr virus. Herpesvirus.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: July 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
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