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SKILL 10 Throat Culture

EQUIPMENT NOTE: Swab only one side. Check agency policy


Applicator (swab or flexible wire) in sterile culture tube regarding obtaining a second specimen from the other
Tongue blade side.
Penlight
Gloves, nonsterile 8. Withdraw swab without touching adjacent structure.
Avoids contamination of the specimen.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SPECIMEN 9. Place applicator in culture tube. Crush ampule at the
COLLECTION bottom. Place applicator tip in culture medium to pre-
serve bacteria.
1. Check physician’s order. Ensures appropriate specimen
obtained from the correct child. 10. Secure top to culture tube. Label specimen and place in
appropriate bag or container along with laboratory req-
2. Check child for allergies to any materials used, e.g.,
uisition slips.
povidone-iodine.
11. Dispose of any used materials in appropriate container.
3. Prepare child and family. Enhances cooperation/partici-
Is consistent with body fluid precautions.
pation; reduces anxiety/fear.
12. Remove gloves. Wash hands. Reduces transmission of
NOTE: Have an assistant hold/comfort the child as nec- microorganisms.
essary and in accordance with agency policy.
13. Send specimen to lab.
4. Gather equipment. Promotes organization and effi-
ciency. DOCUMENTATION
5. Wash hands. Don gloves. Reduces transmission of 1. Time, source/site, specimen sent to lab (specify for what
microorganisms. test).
2. Record results of any test performed on the unit.
PROCEDURE
1. Steps 1–5 of General Guidelines.
2. Position child for access to throat.
3. Prepare applicator for use by loosening the top of the
container. Avoids contamination of applicator.
4. Ask child to tilt head back, open mouth, and say “ah.”
Promotes visualization, relaxes throat muscles, and mini-
mizes gag reflex.
5. Depress anterior 1/3 of tongue with tongue blade.
Promotes visualization.
NOTE: May induce gag reflex.

6. Insert swab without touching lips, teeth, or tongue.


Prevents contamination with oral flora.
7. Swab tonsillar area from side to side with quick, gentle
motion. Ensures collection of microorganisms for testing
and minimizes child’s discomfort.

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.

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