Final answer:
A throat swab involves collecting a sample from the throat using a sterile swab. The swab is inserted into the mouth and used to collect cells from the oral mucosa or throat, then transferred onto an agar plate or a microscope slide. The sample is allowed to dry, and slide samples are heat fixed via a Bunsen burner and the swab is disposed of in a biohazard waste container.
Step-by-step explanation:
To perform a throat swab, you need to collect a sample of cells from your throat. Start by labeling a TSA plate with your name and date. Open a sterile swab package using aseptic technique, ensuring you do not contaminate the swab. If a sterile water tube is available, soak the swab in the sterile water first. Then, holding the swab by the end, insert it into the mouth and gently rub the swab over the oral mucosa or the back of the throat for a few seconds to collect the cells.
After collecting the sample, if creating a bacterial culture, rub the swab onto the surface of the agar plate, covering approximately one-third of the plate surface to ensure an even distribution of the sample. For a microscope slide, smear the swab across the slide to create a thin layer of the sample. In both cases, allow the sample to dry. For slide samples, the next step would be to heat fix by carefully passing the slide through a Bunsen burner flame. Always dispose of the swab properly in a biohazard waste container to maintain safety protocols and avoid contamination.