Corynebacterium diphtheriae culture

This test detects the presence of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. These bacteria may be found in the throat, nose, and skin. This test is used when a disease called diphtheria is suspected.

Laboratory tests may be done for many reasons. Tests are performed for routine health screenings or if a disease or toxicity is suspected. Lab tests may be used to determine if a medical condition is improving or worsening. Lab tests may also be used to measure the success or failure of a medication or treatment plan. Lab tests may be ordered for professional or legal reasons. You may need this test if you have:

• Diphtheria

Throat, mucus, nasopharyngeal, and skin cells:

Ask the healthcare worker for information about how to prepare for this test.

Wound cells:

Before a wound culture, you may be offered medication for pain. You will need to have your body in a position to allow the healthcare worker access to the wound.

Cells from your throat, nose, or skin may be collected for this test. Mucus from your throat also may be collected.

Throat cells/mucus:

A throat culture is done to collect mucus and cells from the back of your throat. For a throat culture, you will need to open your mouth wide. The person doing the test will use a long, sterile cotton swab to swab the back of your throat, near your tonsils. The swab may be rubbed several times to obtain the sample. Do not close your mouth when the sample is being collected. After the sample has been collected, the swab will be taken out and tested.

Nasopharyngeal cells:

A nasopharyngeal swab, aspirate, or wash is done to collect cell samples from the upper part of your nose and throat. For a nasopharyngeal swab, you will be asked to tilt your head back. The person doing the test will use a special kind of swab and insert it into one of your nostrils. The swab will be rotated gently and then remain still for a few seconds before it is removed. This is to allow the swab to collect a large enough sample to be tested. This process will be repeated in the second nostril. For an aspirate or wash, the healthcare worker will use a syringe to push a small amount of sterile saline into your nose, then either apply gentle suction (for the aspirate) or use gravity to collect the resulting fluid (saline and mucous) into a cup. The sample is then sent to the lab for testing.

Skin cells:

Methods used to obtain a sample for this test vary. Ask the healthcare worker for information about how a sample is obtained for this test.

Wound cells:

A wound culture sample may be made up of cells, tissue, or fluid. Methods used to obtain a wound culture vary depending on many factors, including the location and type of wound. Before the procedure, the healthcare worker will usually clean the area with antiseptic solution, and place sterile cloth around the wound. To collect a sample from certain wounds, the healthcare worker will press or squeeze near or on the wound and use a sterile swab to gather fluid, cells, or tissue. The swab may also be inserted deeply into the wound and rotated to collect a sample. For a deep wound, a needle and syringe may be used to draw material from the base of the wound for the sample.

Throat cells/mucus:

During a throat culture, you may feel mild discomfort at the back of your throat when the sample is collected. You may feel like gagging or coughing. You may have a mild sore throat briefly after the procedure.

Nasopharyngeal cells:

During a nasopharyngeal swab, aspirate, or wash, you may feel slight discomfort when the swab or fluid enters into the nostrils. You may gag or cough during the procedure.

Skin/wound cells:

The amount of discomfort you feel will depend on many factors, including your sensitivity to pain. Communicate how you are feeling with the person doing the procedure. Inform the person doing the procedure if you feel that you cannot continue with the procedure.

Throat cells, mucus, nasopharyngeal, and skin cells:

There are no special instructions to follow after this test.

Wound cells:

After a wound culture, follow the healthcare worker’s instructions regarding taking care of the wound. Call your healthcare worker if you have increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge or bleeding from the wound. Inform them if you develop a fever, start vomiting, or have increasing fatigue.

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.