Algorithm for taking a smear from the pharynx and nose, preparation of the patient and technique

The purpose of a throat swab is to determine the microflora. It is carried out with inflammatory diseases. For the procedure, you need:

• a disinfected beaker with a stopper through which a rod with a cotton swab at the end is passed;
• clean spatula;
• referral to the laboratory for bacteriological research.

Consider the algorithm for taking a smear from the pharynx and nose.

Smear technique

The oral cavity is carefully examined. First of all, pay attention to the pharynx, tongue, tonsils. The place from which the discharge is taken for the study is determined.

Hold the cork with care, remove the rod from the beaker without touching its outer walls and surrounding objects.

Then the tube is placed in a tripod. So a smear from the throat and nose is taken on staphylococcus.

Using the first, second and third fingers of the left hand, take a clean spatula and tell the patient to open his mouth. Press the tongue with a spatula, insert the swab into the oral cavity and remove the discharge from a specific place.

Quickly and carefully remove the swab from the oral cavity and, without touching the outer walls of the beaker and surrounding objects, lower it into a test tube.

The exact time when the discharge is taken is indicated in the direction.

Not later than 2 hours from the moment of collection it is necessary to deliver a beaker with a direction to the laboratory.

Glue the results of the study into the medical history.

The purpose of a nasal swab is to study the microflora of the mucosa.
It is carried out in the presence of infectious diseases related to the upper respiratory tract.
For the procedure, you need:

• a sterile beaker with a stopper, through which a rod with a cotton swab at the end is passed, marked "H";
• referral to the laboratory for bacteriological research;
• holder.

The technique of taking a smear from the throat and nose is quite simple.

For bacteriological studies , swabs from the throat and nose are needed. They reflect both qualitative and quantitative indicators of microflora, which is located on the mucosa of the oropharynx and nasopharynx. The doctor can diagnose an infectious disease in the presence of a pathogenic microorganism, and also determines the sensitivity of microbes to the action of several antibiotics.

Why do you need a swab from the throat and nose for staphylococcus? About it further.

Indications for the purpose of analysis for microflora from the pharynx

The study is prescribed for the following pathologies:

• tonsillitis, which appears when streptococcus is activated;
• furunculosis disease, which develops due to the multiplication of staphylococci;
• diphtheria and suspicions of it when it is necessary to identify Leffler's bacilli;
• colds;
• suspected laryngitis and mononucleosis.

In addition, the diagnosis of microflora is carried out with the aim of prevention in order to identify people who carry bacteria after contact with a sick person. Often a person is prescribed a smear test for staphylococcus, when he gets a job in medical institutions, kindergartens, catering establishments. Pregnant women are examined in order to establish the risk of developing the disease. Special preparation for a smear from the throat and nose is not required.

About microflora

On the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and nasopharynx there is a huge number of microorganisms that can be both beneficial and pathogenic. However, they do not always cause various diseases. The main indicator is their number.

Under certain conditions, in particular, when immunity decreases against the background of an acute respiratory viral infection, general hypothermia of the body, and an exacerbated chronic disease, pathogenic bacteria appear. They begin to multiply at an intense pace.

In the absence of disease, such types of microorganisms as streptococci, non-pathogenic neisseria, Escherichia coli, meningococci, cutaneous staphylococcus, bacteroids, pseudomonads, diphtheroids, actinomycetes, pneumonia klebsiella, fungi and other bacteria may be present in smears.

Under conditions favorable to bacteria, relatively pathogenic microbes are able to cause various ailments. Diseases can also develop during primary infection of the body, appearing on the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.

Microorganisms that are able to provoke the development of abnormalities include pneumococcus, hemolytic streptococcus, meningococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, bordetella, Leffler's bacilli, listeria, branchamella, hemophilic bacillus.

The algorithm for taking a smear from the pharynx and nose must be performed.

Preliminary stage

In order to obtain the most accurate research results, the following recommendations are mandatory:

• seven days before collecting the material, stop taking antibacterial drugs;
• use a rinse or spray with an antimicrobial effect is prohibited two days before the diagnosis;
• analysis is necessary only on an empty stomach;
• Before the study, do not brush your teeth, drink water.

If you adhere to the listed rules for taking a smear from the throat and nose, then the result will be correct.

How exactly do you need to take a smear?

1. Set the patient down and ask him to raise his head slightly.
2. A beaker is taken from the tripod with the left hand, and the rod with the swab is removed with the right hand. This must be done very carefully, without touching the swab to surrounding objects.
3. The bottle is put in a tripod.
4. Lift the tip of the patient’s nose with his left hand and insert the swab to a depth of 2 centimeters with light rotational movements of his right hand in the lower nasal passage.
5. Remove the swab and quickly lower it into the beaker.
6. Send the tube to the laboratory for bacteriological research.

The algorithm for taking a smear from the pharynx and nose should be well studied.

Note

Research in the laboratory can be attributed to auxiliary methods. They are one of the most important parts of a patient examination. In a huge number of cases, the data that are obtained using laboratory tests are crucial for making a diagnosis. The results of additional studies in large part depend on the correct preparation of patients. Some studies can be carried out for all patients without exception, and some of them are carried out in strict order, in accordance with the indications and depending on the diagnosis.

We examined the algorithm for taking a smear from the pharynx and nose.