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Preparing the Culture

Once in the lab, a laboratorian will transfer the throat sample that is on the swab to nutrient media, such as a blood agar plate, that will foster the growth of bacteria. In the photo above, the swab is being gently rubbed over the surface of the agar.

This article was last reviewed on December 18, 2009. | This article was last modified on March 6, 2010.

The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.

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