Common infectious organisms tested for by a throat culture include Candida albicans known for causing thrush and Group A streptococcus known for causing strep throat,[1] scarlet fever, and rheumatic fever.

The person receiving the throat culture is asked to tilt his or her head back and open his or her mouth.

A clean swab will be rubbed over the back of the throat, around the tonsils, and over any red areas or sores to collect a sample.

For this test, the patient will gargle a small amount of salt water and then spit the fluid into a clean cup.

A culture for Streptococcus pyogenes can take 18–24 hours when grown at 37 degrees Celsius (body temperature).