HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Throat Culture
Results
A throat culture is a test to find a bacterial or fungal infection in the throat. Throat culture test results for bacterial infections are ready in 1 to 2 days, depending on which bacteria are being tested for. Test results for a fungus may take about 7 days.
Rapid strep test results are ready in 10 to 15 minutes. This test is only for bacterial infections caused by strep bacteria.
| Normal (negative results): |
No strep bacteria are detected. A throat culture may be recommended. |
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| Abnormal (positive results): |
Strep bacteria are detected. This means you have Reference strep throat Opens New Window. Antibiotics can be started immediately. |
| Normal (negative) |
No infection (bacteria or fungi) grows in the culture. |
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A negative throat culture may mean that the cause of your infection is a Reference virus Opens New Window, rather than bacteria or fungus. Some viruses that cause throat infections include: |
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| Abnormal (positive) |
Bacteria grows in the culture. Some bacterial throat infections include:
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Fungus grows in the culture. The most common fungal throat infection is Reference thrush Opens New Window, caused by the fungus Candida albicans. |
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 12, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
