What is the Oral Swab Test?

An oral swab test involves collecting a sample from the mouth or throat using a sterile swab. The sample is analysed in a laboratory to detect bacterial or fungal organisms that may cause infection or inflammation.

This test is commonly used to investigate conditions such as oral thrush (Candida), bacterial infections, mouth ulcers, sore throat causes, and unexplained oral lesions. It helps distinguish infectious causes from non-infectious conditions.

Oral swab testing is particularly useful when symptoms do not improve, recur frequently, or require precise identification of the underlying cause.

Why do I need an Oral Swab test?

Oral and throat infections can cause discomfort, affect eating or speaking, and sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Many conditions present with similar symptoms, making laboratory testing important for clarity.

You may need this test if you experience:

• White patches on the tongue or inside the mouth
• Persistent sore throat
• Mouth ulcers that do not heal
• Redness, swelling, or pain in the mouth
• Burning or altered taste
• Cracks at the corners of the mouth
• Recurrent oral infections
• Symptoms not responding to standard treatment

Testing helps identify whether symptoms are caused by infection and supports appropriate clinical follow-up.

Benefits of the test

1. Accurate identification of oral infections
   Detects bacterial or fungal causes of symptoms.
2. Differentiates similar oral conditions
   Helps distinguish infection from irritation or inflammation.
3. Useful for persistent symptoms
   Supports investigation when problems do not resolve.
4. Guides further medical evaluation
   Results help determine appropriate next steps.
5. Non-invasive and quick
   The swab procedure is brief and well tolerated.
6. Useful in recurrent infections
   Helps identify repeated or ongoing infection causes.
7. Applicable to mouth and throat
   Can sample multiple oral sites as needed.
8. Reduces diagnostic uncertainty
   Provides laboratory confirmation rather than assumptions.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• A clinician takes an oral or throat swab
• Sample is sent to the laboratory
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Book a mobile clinician
• Oral swab taken at your home or hotel
• No clinic visit required
• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

Negative (no infection detected)

• No clinically significant organisms identified
• UK standard: Not detected / no growth
• Suggests symptoms may be non-infectious

Low-level growth

• Small quantities of organisms detected
• UK standard: Low growth / commensal flora
• May reflect normal mouth bacteria

Positive (infection detected)

• Pathogenic organism identified
• UK standard: Organism reported by name
• Indicates active oral or throat infection