Swab samples are collected from the external ear canal, middle ear discharge, or throat.

The sample is cultured in the laboratory to isolate bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens.

Once organisms are identified, antibiotic sensitivity testing is performed to determine effective treatment options.

Clinical uses include:

Diagnosing bacterial ear infections (e.g., otitis externa, otitis media).

Identifying causes of pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or sore throat.

Detecting fungal infections in the ear canal.

Guiding antibiotic therapy to avoid resistance.

Provides definitive microbiological evidence for infection management.

Analyte: Microorganisms present in ear or throat swab samples.

Normal Result: No growth (sterile sample).

Abnormal Findings:

Positive culture: Indicates presence of pathogenic organisms (e.g., Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, Candida).

Sensitivity profile: Identifies antibiotics effective against the isolated organism.

Clinical Use:

Provides a direct microbiological diagnosis of ear and throat infections.

Helps guide precise antimicrobial therapy.

Supports ENT, pediatrics, infectious disease, and general medicine evaluations.