About
Culture to isolate and identify the causative organism with antibiotic susceptibility to guide treatment. Used to diagnose infection.
Preparation
Drink plenty of fluids (still water) 8-12 hours before collecting sputum. Before oropharyngeal (throat) swabs, for 3-4 hours do not eat, drink, brush teeth, rinse the mouth/throat, chew gum or smoke. Before nasal swabs, for 3-4 hours do not use drops/sprays or rinse the nose. Swabs are best taken in the morning, right after sleep. Women: perform the test (urogenital swab or urine collection) before menstruation or 2-3 days after it ends. Men: do not urinate for 3 hours before a urogenital swab or urine collection.
Beyond these general rules, preparation for some tests and diagnostic procedures may require specific instructions from your treating doctor.
