What is the Throat Swab Test?

A throat swab test involves collecting a sample from the back of the throat or tonsils using a sterile swab. The sample is analysed in a laboratory to identify bacteria or viruses that may be causing infection.

This test is most commonly used to detect organisms such as Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep), which causes bacterial tonsillitis and strep throat, as well as other bacterial or viral pathogens depending on the test requested.

Throat swab testing helps differentiate between bacterial and viral causes of throat symptoms, which often appear clinically similar.

Why do I need a Throat Swab test?

Sore throat and tonsillar infections are common, but not all require the same clinical approach. Identifying the underlying cause helps explain persistent symptoms and reduces uncertainty when infections recur.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Persistent or severe sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever with throat symptoms
• Swollen or inflamed tonsils
• White patches or exudate on the throat
• Recurrent throat infections
• Symptoms not improving over time
• Close contact with others who are unwell

Testing provides clarity when symptoms are ongoing or atypical.

Benefits of the test

1. Identifies bacterial throat infections
   Helps detect streptococcal and other bacterial causes.
2. Differentiates infection type
   Supports distinction between bacterial and viral illness.
3. Useful for recurrent symptoms
   Helps investigate repeated sore throat episodes.
4. Quick and minimally invasive
   The swab procedure is brief and well tolerated.
5. Supports clinical decision-making
   Clear results help guide further assessment.
6. Applicable to adults and children
   Suitable across age groups.
7. Reduces diagnostic uncertainty
   Confirms infection rather than relying on symptoms alone.
8. Useful for outbreak or contact screening
   Helps assess potential transmission in close-contact settings.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• A clinician takes a 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
• Throat 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: No growth / not detected
• Suggests symptoms may not be due to bacterial infection

Low-level growth / colonisation

• Small quantities of organisms detected
• UK standard: Scant growth / commensal flora
• May represent normal throat bacteria

Positive (infection detected)

• Pathogenic organism identified
• UK standard: Organism reported by name (e.g. Group A Streptococcus detected)
• Indicates active throat infection