A<unk>  is a laboratory diagnostic test to find a bacterial or fungal infection in the<unk> . A sample swabbed from the<unk>  is put in a special cup<unk>  that allows infections to grow. If an infection grows, the<unk>  is positive. The type of infection is found using a microscope, chemical tests, or both. If no infection grows, the<unk>  is negative.
Examples of infections that may be found during a<unk>  include:
Candida albicans
This fungus causes thrush, an infection of the mouth and tongue and sometimes of the<unk> . See a picture of thrush in the mouth.
Group A streptococcus
This bacteria can cause strep<unk> , scarlet fever, and rheumatic fever. If strep<unk>  is likely, a test called a rapid strep test (or quick strep) may be done before a<unk> . With a rapid strep test, results are ready in 10 minutes instead of 1 to 2 days with a<unk> . If the rapid strep test results are positive, antibiotics can be started immediately. A<unk>  is more accurate than the rapid strep test. The rapid strep test can give false-negative results even when strep bacteria are present. When the results of a rapid strep test are negative, many health professionals recommend doing a<unk>  to make sure that strep<unk>  is not present.
Neisseria meningitidis
This bacteria can cause meningitis. If bacteria grows in the<unk> , other tests may be done to check which antibiotic will treat the infection best. This is called susceptibility or sensitivity testing.
Throat culture
Rhinitis CT
Cough CT
Mycoplasma pneumonia CT
Bronchoscopy
Bronchitis CT
Nasal Congestion CT
Adenoiditis x ray