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The Upper Respiratory Culture Test checks a sample from your throat or nose for harmful germs. It is sometimes called a throat culture, nasopharyngeal culture, or upper airway bacterial culture. If your doctor ordered it, you can book at participating labs on LabFinder.
Some labs list it as a respiratory bacterial culture. The test grows any germs from a swab of your throat or nose. It helps find the exact bacteria causing a sore throat, tonsillitis, or other upper airway infection so treatment can be targeted.
Common reasons: a bad sore throat that does not improve, possible strep throat, swollen tonsils with fever, repeated throat or sinus infections, long lasting cough with concern for bacteria, or your doctor needs to confirm the germ before choosing an antibiotic.
You will check in and confirm your order. A staff member gently swabs your throat or the back of your nose for a few seconds. You may feel a brief tickle, gag, or watery eyes. The swab is sent to the lab to see if germs grow. Plan for about 10 to 20 minutes at the site.
Yes, this is a quick, routine blood draw and is considered very safe. You might feel a quick pinch, notice a small bruise, or feel a little lightheaded for a moment afterward, but those effects usually fade quickly. Be sure to tell the staff if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or if you have fainted during blood draws before. They will take extra care to keep you comfortable. For this test, the sample is usually a throat or nasal swab, which may briefly cause a tickle or gag and then passes quickly.
Avoid antiseptics: skip strong mouthwash, throat sprays, or medicated lozenges for a few hours before your visit. Hold food and drink briefly: avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum for about one hour before the swab if you can. Tell the team about antibiotics: share any recent or current antibiotics or nasal sprays. Bring your ID and order: and follow any instructions from your doctor or the lab.
Strep throat, bacterial tonsillitis, sinus infection, whooping cough, and other upper airway bacterial infections. Results must be read in context. Your doctor will review your results with your history and symptoms before recommending next steps.
You can compare locations, see time slots, and book online at participating labs. It is easy to search for a convenient location in your area or by city or ZIP. Cost and insurance: coverage varies by plan and provider, so please confirm with the lab or your insurance when you book.
Book on LabFinder: find a lab today on our lab finder and request a test doctor guided.
The information on this page and throughout the LabFinder website and mobile app is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized medical advice or specific health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider directly.
Booking a Upper Respiratory Culture is easy using LabFinder. Just choose your location and enter your insurance information to find the closest Upper Respiratory Culture near you.
To make a same-day appointment for a Upper Respiratory Culture, just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Upper Respiratory Culture location near you. If there's availability for a same-day appointment at a nearby lab location, then you will be able to book it easily through LabFinder.
LabFinder allows you to easily schedule a Upper Respiratory Culture. You can search by location and insurance to easily book a Upper Respiratory Culture near you.
LabFinder allows you to easily make an appointment for a Upper Respiratory Culture online. To make an appointment for a Upper Respiratory Culture online, just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Upper Respiratory Culture near you.
Yes, you can get a Upper Respiratory Culture without insurance. LabFinder allows you to search and select "Self-Pay" when booking a Upper Respiratory Culture. While pricing for the test may not be immediately available, please check by calling the lab company directly for pricing.
