What Other Parents Are Reading Strep Test: Throat Culture What
It Is A throat culture or strep test is performed by using a
throat swab to detect the presence of group A streptococcus
bacteria, the most common cause of strep throat. These bacteria
also can cause other infections, including pneumonia,
tonsillitis, and meningitis. A sample swabbed from the back of
the throat is put on a special plate (culture) that enables
bacteria to grow in the lab. The specific type of infection is
determined using chemical tests. If bacteria don't grow, the
culture is negative and the person doesn't have a strep throat
infection. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects
the back of the throat and the tonsils, which become irritated
and swell, causing a sore throat that's especially bothersome
when swallowing. White or yellow spots or a coating on the
throat and tonsils also might be present, and the lymph nodes
along the sides of the neck may swell. Strep throat is most
common among school-age children. The infect