Upper respiratory cultures isolate and identify pathogenic bacteria from upper airway samples, distinguishing them from normal nasal and throat flora. Common pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and certain staphylococci.
This test is used to evaluate chronic or recurrent sinusitis, complicated otitis media, suspected bacterial pharyngitis when initial testing is inconclusive, and infections in immunocompromised patients. Susceptibility testing helps guide appropriate antibiotic selection. Sample type is a nasal, sinus aspirate, or throat swab depending on the clinical situation.
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