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Bacterial Culture, Nasopharyngeal

Item Value
Approval req'd? No
Available Stat? No
Utilization Guidelines Bacterial cultures on nasopharyngeal specimens are seldom, if ever, indicated due to the large number of normal bacteria present. Request cultures for specific pathogens or for specific disorders:

Group A Streptococcus: Throat swab

Epiglotitis: Swab of epiglottis in charcoal transport media

Thrush: Throat swab in charcoal transport media

Pertussis: Should be tested by PCR, not culture (see Bordetella pertussis by PCR)

There is NO indication for routine bacterial cultures on nasopharyngeal washes.
Test code
Test group Bacterial Culture
Performed by Microbiology
Container type
Sample type
UCSF Rejection Criteria There is no indication for routine bacterial cultures on nasopharyngeal samples.
Normal range
Additional information See individual pathogens or Respiratory culture.

See Utilization Guidelines for additional information.
Last Updated 3/19/2009 7:42:30 AM
Entry Number 93

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