Culture & Sensitivity - Nasal Swab Test
Disease.
Viral & Bacterial infection Tests
Department.
Microbiology
TAT.
2 – 3 Days
Sample Type
- Nasal swab innoculated in special Aerobic Transport Medium available from GENEXLAB.
- Specify left or right nasal swab on transport medium vial and test request form.
What is Culture-Nasal?
The nasal cavity is the first point of contact for numerous pathogens that may cause infection and by examining the sample, we can determine the cause and the best way to treat it.
A nasal culture test is a diagnostic test carried out to identify bacterial or fungal infections from the nasal cavity. It is used in the management of sinusitis, nasal polyps, rhinitis, or chronic respiratory diseases which are due to pathogens. This test is also used in the management of bacterial antibiotic resistance to help in making the right decisions on the type of antibiotics to use.
How is the Test Performed?
The Culture-Nasal test is simple and requires no special preparation.
Collection
- The sample is collected using a sterile cotton swab.
- The swab is gently placed in the nose to obtain the sample
Lab Analysis
- The sample is placed in an incubator to allow the microbes to grow.
- The growth is then examined to identify the pathogenic type.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
The healthcare provider suggests this test when an individual is showing the symptoms of possible infection in the nasal passageway or the sinuses. The general symptoms exhibited are mentioned below;
General Symptoms
- Nasal congestion that lasts for several days
- Discharge from the nasal cavity that is usually green or yellow mucus
- Breathing difficulty through the nose
- Loss of smell or taste
- Pain or pressure around the sinuses or face
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
The nasal culture test is qualitative and the results are reported for the presence of the pathogens or normal flora in the sample.
- Normal flora – Absence of pathogenic bacteria, presence of bacteria that causes no harm and are beneficial for an individual
- Abnormal flora – Presence of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus influenza, fungal species, and resistant bacteria.
**It is essential to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate interpretation of the test results and to start early treatment for effective management of the infections.**
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
If an abnormal flora is detected in the nasal culture, the healthcare provider will take the following steps;
- Further testing is recommended including antibiotic testing to determine which antibiotics are effective in the treatment of the infection.
- Treatment plan is given according to the pathogen type, antibiotics are given when bacteria are causing an infection, whereas antifungal drugs are administered in case of fungal infections. Saline nasal irrigation and steroid nasal sprays are also prescribed to relieve the symptoms
- If the infection is chronic further treatments and lifestyle modifications are required to prevent future infections and to identify and treat the underlying condition.
- In some cases regular monitoring and follow-up care is required.
Why Choose Genex?
State Of The Art Technology
We use advanced technology and equipment to ensure precise and reliable results. Our cutting-edge tools and methodologies guarantee the highest standards of lab testing.
Highly Skilled Team
Our team consists of skilled technicians trained to handle complex hormonal tests with high accuracy. Each member has years of experience & specialized knowledge to every test.
Fast Turnaround Time
Get your results quickly, helping to make timely decisions regarding your health. We understand the importance of prompt information for effective health management.
Patient-Centered Care
Genex Lab prioritizes your comfort and satisfaction throughout the testing process. Our compassionate approach ensures a supportive and reassuring experience for patients.
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