A nurse vigorously swabs the tonsillar pillars and posterior throat of a patient to obtain a specimen for a group A streptococcal screen and then repeats this process with a second swab.What is the correct rationale for obtaining two specimens?
A)Two swabs are sent to the laboratory in case one is contaminated or lost in transit.
B)If the first swab tests negative, the screen is repeated on the second.
C)If the first swab tests negative, a traditional culture is performed on the second.
D)Each swab is sent to a different laboratory to ensure accuracy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the first swab tests negative for group A streptococcus using a rapid antigen detection test, a traditional culture is often performed on the second swab to confirm the result, as rapid tests can have lower sensitivity.

A Nurse Vigorously Swabs the Tonsillar Pillars and Posterior Throat