Oral swab culture in Chiswick

What the test measures

A sterile swab is wiped over the affected area of the mouth, such as the tongue, inner cheek or gums. The laboratory cultures the sample to see which organisms grow, separating the normal mixture of mouth bacteria from anything that should not be there in large numbers. Yeasts such as Candida can be identified.

The mouth naturally contains many different microbes, so the value of the test lies in spotting an overgrowth or a specific organism linked to symptoms. Oral thrush is more likely after antibiotics, with steroid inhalers, dentures, diabetes or a weakened immune system, and a culture can confirm it when the picture is unclear or treatment has not worked.

The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have white or red patches in your mouth that rub off or keep coming back.
• You have a sore or burning mouth, or cracks at the corners of your lips.
• You have used antifungal treatment for oral thrush and symptoms have persisted.
• You use a steroid inhaler or have recently finished antibiotics and your mouth feels uncomfortable.

Understanding your result

The report describes what grew and whether it is considered significant. A note of mixed oral flora usually means only the normal mouth organisms were seen. If Candida or a specific bacterium is identified, your practitioner explains whether it fits with your symptoms and whether treatment should be discussed with your GP or dentist.

An oral culture cannot explain every mouth symptom. Ulcers, burning mouth and dryness can relate to nutrition, medicines, skin conditions or the immune system, so a finding is read in context and is not a diagnosis by itself. A mouth ulcer that has not healed after three weeks, or a lump or patch that will not go away, should be checked by your GP or dentist.

Preparing for your test

Please do not eat, drink, smoke, brush your teeth or use mouthwash for at least an hour before your swab, so the sample reflects what is living in your mouth. If you wear dentures, bring them with you. Let us know about any antifungal or antibiotic treatment you have used recently, as it can affect what grows.

Repeated oral thrush can be linked to blood sugar, so HbA1c is a useful companion check, and a sore tongue can also reflect low Vitamin B12 or iron. See every blood test and price in Chiswick for more options.

Questions

How much is an oral swab culture in Chiswick?

The oral swab culture is £139 at Omnia Lifestyle in Chiswick. The fee includes the swab at our clinic, culture at the accredited laboratory, a review of the findings with a practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Can it confirm oral thrush?

Yes, the culture can identify Candida species. Because some Candida lives in many healthy mouths, your practitioner considers the amount grown and your symptoms before suggesting it is the cause.

Will it find the cause of mouth ulcers?

Usually not. Most recurrent ulcers are not caused by infection, so a culture is more useful for thrush or suspected bacterial infection. Blood tests for nutrients may be more helpful for ulcers.

Should I see a dentist instead?

For gum disease, tooth pain or an abscess, a dentist is the right first step. The culture is helpful alongside dental care when an infection is not clearing as expected.