Nasopharyngeal culture is a sample of secretions from the upper-most part of the throat, behind the nose. The secretions are grown in a culture medium to detect the presence of organisms that can cause disease.

You will be asked to cough before the test begins and then tilt your head back. A sterile cotton-tipped swab is gently passed through the nostril and into the nasopharynx, the part of the pharynx that covers the roof of the mouth. The swab is quickly rotated and then removed.

There is no special preparation necessary.

The patient may experience slight discomfort and may gag.

The test identifies microorganisms that cause upper-respiratory tract symptoms. Nasopharyngeal cultures are useful in identifying respiratory viruses, and bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, and Bordetella pertussis, and Neisseria meningitidis. The culture may be used to help determine which antibiotic therapy is appropriate.

The presence of organisms commonly found in the nasopharynx is normal.

The presence of any disease-causing virus, bacteria, or fungus means there is an infection.

There are no risks.

Not applicable.