Ordering the Upper Respiratory Culture
Upper Respiratory Culture helps find out which bacteria or fungi are causing symptoms like cough, sore throat, or sinus pressure. This test is often used when symptoms last longer than expected or do not improve with usual care. Interestingly, this test can also detect less common organisms that may not respond to standard treatments, helping guide the right therapy.
Ordering this test can help you:
- Identify the exact bacteria or fungus causing your symptoms
- Determine which antibiotics or antifungal medicines will work best
- Reduce the risk of using the wrong treatment
- Prevent the spread of infection to others
- Track if an infection is coming back or not clearing up
Who Should Consider Respiratory Pathogen Testing
People who have a cough that will not go away, thick mucus, or a sore throat that keeps coming back may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has tried over-the-counter cold medicine for a week but still feels tired, has a stuffy nose, and keeps coughing could use this test to find out what is causing the problem.
Ordering this test may also be helpful if you:
- Have frequent sinus infections that do not get better with usual care
- Experience ear pain and drainage that lasts more than a few days
- Notice green or yellow mucus with a fever that does not go away
- Have a sore throat and hoarseness that lingers after a cold
- Recently traveled and developed a cough that is not improving, which can sometimes be linked to rare bacteria found in certain places
This test can help you find out exactly which bacteria or fungus is causing your symptoms, so you can get the right treatment and avoid using medicine that will not work. Waiting too long to order this test may let the infection get worse or spread, making it harder to treat.
Preparing for Bacterial and Fungal Swab Collection
No fasting is needed before this test, and you can eat and drink as usual. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected the right way and your results are as helpful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Upper Respiratory Culture
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Test Measures | Low and High Levels of Upper Respiratory Culture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Respiratory Culture | No pathogenic growth | This test checks for bacteria and fungi in the throat, nose, or ear. It helps find out if an infection is present and which germs are causing it. |
High levels mean harmful bacteria or fungi are present and may be causing symptoms.
Low levels mean no harmful bacteria or fungi were found, or only normal germs are present. |
| Isolation of Potential Aerobic Pathogens | No growth of pathogens | This part of the test looks for bacteria that need oxygen to grow. It helps find out if these bacteria are causing an infection in the upper airway. |
High levels mean aerobic bacteria are present and may be causing infection.
Low levels mean no aerobic bacteria were found, or only normal bacteria are present. |
| Identification and Susceptibility Testing | Sensitive to common antibiotics | This step finds out which antibiotics or antifungal medicines will work best against the germs found in your sample. |
High resistance means the bacteria or fungi may not respond to usual medicines.
Low resistance means the germs are likely to be treated easily with common antibiotics or antifungals. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods or as new guidelines are released.
Upper Respiratory Culture FAQ
Is there Upper Respiratory Culture testing near me?
This is a test kit that you can collect locally, and you can check the draw location link at the top of the page for nearby options. If you have ongoing cough, congestion, or sore throat, having a convenient collection site makes it easier to get tested quickly and start the right treatment.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for clear, personalized guidance.
What is the cost of the test?
The price for this test includes standard shipping to you and back to the lab, but draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you find the right treatment faster, especially if you have symptoms that are not improving.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually only needed if symptoms return or do not improve after treatment, or if your doctor recommends it based on your results. Repeating the test can help make sure the infection is gone and that the right medicine was used.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses culture methods to grow and identify bacteria and fungi from your sample, with a specificity of 98% and a sensitivity of 95%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- This test cannot be collected in NY, NJ, MA, and RI. Contact us with questions.
- There will be an additional charge of $29.00 for each organism susceptibility if a pathogenic species is isolated. Contact us for questions.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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