LESSON 2
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
2-1.
INTRODUCTION
One means of gathering information about the patient's health status is by
identifying pathogens and analyzing urine, blood, sputum, and feces. As a practical
nurse, you may be responsible for collecting and labeling specimen for analysis and
ensuring their delivery to the lab. For self-protection and to prevent the spread of
disease, wear gloves whenever you work with body fluids. Washing your hands
carefully also prevents the spread of disease.
2-2.
THROAT CULTURE
Throat cultures are done to isolate and identify any pathogens, which may be
medium. The slide or medium is incubated in the laboratory to determine which
organisms causing a throat disorder. A sample of mucus and secretions from the back
of the throat is collected on a cotton-tipped applicator and applied to a slide or culture
are present. A determination of which drug is most effective against a particular
organism may be done also. A full culture and sensitivity test takes several days
because the organisms must have time to grow. If strep infection is suspected a quick
strep test may be done, so that antibiotic therapy can be started immediately.
2-3.
SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
The supplies and equipment required to obtain a sample for throat culture are:
a. Sterile cotton-tipped applicator specimen collection kit (culturette).
b. Tongue depressor.
c. Laboratory request form.
d. Flashlight.
2-4.
PROCEDURE FOR A THROAT CULTURE
Always wash your hands before the procedure. Explain to the patient what you
are going to do. Have the patient sit comfortably on a bed or chair and tilt his head
back.
a. Use the flashlight to illuminate the back of the throat. Check for inflamed
areas using the tongue depressor.
MD0906
2-2