A throat swab is considered a common diagnostic test that is performed when inflammation and infections occur. Through the procedure it is possible to identify the causative agent of the disease. Also, the material helps to exclude diphtheria and other dangerous pathologies.
A swab from the throat - what is it?
A throat swab is used to determine the dominant microorganisms in this area. Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to determine the presence, species and number of microbes located in the study area. This allows you to put an accurate diagnosis and choose an appropriate treatment.
Indications
This research is carried out in such situations:
- Preventive examination in hiring. Usually a smear is needed if a person plans to work with food, children, patients, etc.
- Examination of pregnant women. This helps prevent the development and activity of bacteria that pose a danger to the child.
- Survey of children who are going to enter pre-school institutions. This helps prevent outbreaks of illness in children's groups.
- Diagnosis before hospitalization or in preparation for surgery. In such a situation, the doctor should be convinced of the absence of microorganisms, which can aggravate the course of the postoperative period.
- Examination of people who have had contact with infectious patients. This will help prevent the subsequent spread of the disease.
- Study for the precise definition of the causative agent of pathology of ENT organs. Also, the procedure helps to establish the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to medicines.
- Detection of tonsillitis, diphtheria, scarlet fever, sore throat, sinusitis, otitis and other pathologies.
For what a swab is given for flora, the doctor says:
What tests are passed that it is possible to determine
To take a swab from the throat, a specialist asks a person to open his mouth and throw his head slightly. Then he gently presses the tongue with a flat tool. Then a sterile tampon spends on the mucous membranes of the tonsils and throat.
The procedure does not cause pain, but it can cause discomfort. Touching the throat of the throat and tonsils often provokes a vomitive reflex.
After collecting the mucus, the specialist places it in a nutrient medium. It prevents the death of microorganisms before performing research that helps to establish their variety.
Further mucus particles are sent to special studies. One of the main methods is rapid antigenic hemostest. This system quickly reacts to particles of microbes of a certain type.
This study helps detect a beta-hemolytic streptococcus of Category A. The results of this analysis can be obtained after 5-40 minutes. As a rule, antigenic tests have high sensitivity.
Sowing involves placing mucus particles from the throat in a special medium that leads to active multiplication of microbes. Thanks to this, the doctor can identify the microorganisms that inhabit the mucous membrane. This allows us to identify the sensitivity of bacteria to antibacterial agents. This is especially important if standard therapy does not work.
PCR assay helps to establish the types of microbes that inhabit the throat. This is accomplished by the elements of DNA present in the mucus.
How to take a smear from the throat
How to prepare
To make the results as reliable as possible, it is very important to follow certain recommendations. Before passing the analysis it is necessary:
- Refuse the use of mouth rinses that include antiseptic ingredients 2-3 days before the procedure.
- Eliminate the use of sprays and ointments that contain antibacterial and antimicrobial substances, a few days before the procedure.
- Eliminate the use of food or drink for 2-3 hours before the study. It is best to take an analysis on an empty stomach.
- On the day of the procedure, it is advisable not to brush your teeth or at least a few hours before the test, do not chew the cud.
After eating or applying toothpaste, a portion of bacterial microorganisms is washed away, which also has a negative effect on the result.
Decoding
To evaluate the data obtained as a result of the analysis, you need to know the reasons for it. Most often the mixed microflora, which is present in the smear of healthy people, includes a small number of harmful microorganisms - streptococci, staphylococci, the Epstein-Barr virus, herpes, veylonell, enterococci, etc.
This phenomenon is considered the norm if there are few harmful bacteria, and they do not cause harm to health. Eliminate all microorganisms is not possible. A short time after completion of the course of therapy, the bacteria again appear on the mucosa.
The interpretation of the results depends on the reason for the study. Particular attention is paid to the number of microorganisms that could provoke an ailment that bothers a person. If the volume of bacteria is not more than 10 in the third or fourth degree, the microflora is normal. If the index is more than 10 in the fifth degree, one can judge about the increased development of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms.
How to determine streptococcus in the throat of
What are the most dangerous indicators
To harmful microorganisms that can be detected by performing a smear from the throat, carry the following:
- beta-hemolytic streptococcus entering group A;
- is a causative agent of diphtheria;
- fungi;
- pertussis causative agent.
How to distinguish the herpes virus from streptococcal infection, says Dr. Komarovsky:
Features of treatment for the elimination of the pathogenic microflora
After determining the causative agent of the disease, its sensitivity to antibacterial and antimicrobial agents is assessed. To treat the disease you need the antibiotic to which the detected microorganisms are sensitive.
Any pathology of ENT organs should be treated under the guidance of an otolaryngologist. Often inflammatory processes can be managed by means of bacteriophages, which are produced as a solution or spray. In particular, they include chlorophyllipt.
Often enough to cope with anaerobic bacteria help people's recipes. The composition of medical fees should include such components as mint, dog rose, hawthorn. This method of therapy is considered absolutely safe. The first results are achieved in a few days. However, the total duration of therapy should be at least 3 weeks.
How not to infect others
To prevent contamination of others, you should follow these recommendations:
- wash your hands more often;
- use personal hygiene products and utensils;
- disinfect the house - wipe the door handles, switches, etc.
A throat swab can be considered an informative study that helps to identify pathogenic microorganisms and determine their sensitivity to medicines. It is very important to carefully prepare for the procedure in order to obtain objective results.