Throat swab / Throat culture

So, I went in to get a throat swab done last Friday, mostly because I’ve been dealing with these three really intense bouts of strep-like throat inflammation over the last two or three months... and well, I was expecting the results to be ready by today, since it’s been seven days now. The nurse mentioned that it usually takes somewhere between seven to ten days, which I suppose makes sense, but still, nothing has arrived as of this afternoon. She did tell me they would likely call on Monday since today was the target date, but she also explained that if they detect any bacteria, they have to wait to see how much it actually grows before they can pinpoint the exact antibiotic needed to fight it off. I guess I’m just feeling a little anxious about the whole thing—why does it honestly take them this long? I mean, what exactly can they uncover from a simple throat swab? And do you all think they would have reached out sooner if there was something seriously wrong, or is this delay just a sign that they're digging deeper because they've actually found something concerning that requires more investigation?

Just take a breath. I don't understand why you're so terrified of getting a diagnosis. Honestly, this paralyzing fear of finding out what's actually wrong is one of the biggest hurdles patients face, though at this stage, that's beside the point. All we can really pinpoint right now are the underlying triggers for the inflammation. Don't stress about the delay. They told you to expect results in seven to ten days, so just hang tight for a little longer. In my experience, if the labs look good, they tend to take their sweet time getting them back to you. If there’s something concerning in the results, they usually fast-track the whole procedure anyway.

I also had my throat swab done this past Monday, and they told me to come back on Friday (so, a five-day wait)... In a way, I might actually find it easier if something comes back positive, just so I can finally pinpoint the reason behind these symptoms I've been dealing with lately. I'm curious about what exactly a swab can detect; for instance, if there's a fungal issue, would that show up on a throat swab, or is a tongue swab necessary? Since everything is interconnected, I suppose...

A standard throat swab primarily targets bacteria, specifically Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. If you’re looking for something else—like a fungal infection—that needs to be explicitly requested. For a routine bacterial screen, the rule is simple: don't touch the tongue, the soft palate, or the inside of the cheek. That should cover both parts of your question.

Just a quick question... where in Washington, D.C. can I get a throat swab done, and what does the actual process look like?

quietskipper18 said:Just a quick question... where in Washington, D.C. can I get a throat swab done, and what’s the actual process like?

I went to a clinic over by Bethesda; first, I had to track down my primary care physician to get a referral, then I headed over there (you have to show up by 3:00 PM at the latest), and then you just swing back a few days later between 2:00 and 3:00 PM to pick up the results.👍

The wait wasn't even that bad, and honestly, the whole procedure itself takes about two seconds.

Hey,
is it actually possible to get a throat swab done over in a small town like rural Nebraska? 🤷
Thanks!

Hey everyone, quick question. I have a throat swab scheduled first thing tomorrow morning, but I forgot to check if I can brush my teeth beforehand. I need to be at the clinic right when they open, so there's no chance for me to call ahead. Can someone let me know if brushing is okay or if I should skip it?

Thanks in advance.

Don't even bother tracking them in the morning. Just give 'em a deep clean tonight and call it a day... nothing else until you get to the wiping stage