Does this test have other names?

Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) (swab), throat culture, pneumonia testing

What is this test?

If your health care provider suspects you have C. pneumoniae, they may do a swab test of your nose or throat to test for it. C. pneumoniae is just one of many types of bacteria that can cause pneumonia. 

Why do you need this test?

You may need this test because you have a bacterial pneumonia, such as C. pneumoniae. This can be potentially life-threatening if not treated. Symptoms may look like a common cold at first. You may have chest congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. But these symptoms can get worse over time. If the infection isn't treated, you may even end up in the hospital. The C. pneumoniae bacteria can't be found by looking through a microscope, so your health care provider needs a culture to find out exactly which bacteria you have. This means lab technicians grow and identify the specific bacteria from your sample.

What other tests might you have along with this test?

Blood tests are sometimes used to identify C. pneumoniae.

If your health care provider isn't sure of the cause of your infection, you may be tested for other bacteria, too. 

What do your test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your health care provider what your test results mean for you.

The best result of a culture is to find no trace of bacteria. If the culture grows bacteria, then technicians can figure out which types of bacteria are there. The best treatment can then be prescribed. 

How is this test done?

Your health care provider can take a sputum (phlegm) sample. Or your provider can rub a cotton swab in the back of your throat or nose to collect a sample for culture. The swab is taken to the lab, where the culture is grown to find out what germ is causing your illness.

Does this test pose any risks?

This test poses no known risks. 

What might affect your test results?

Other bacteria or germs found in your mouth and throat can cause problems in getting an accurate culture from a throat swab. It can also take a while to get back your test results. It often takes 1 to 3 weeks. For this reason, other tests, including blood tests, are often done to check for the cause of pneumonia. This way treatment can be started more quickly. But a blood test is not as accurate as a culture.

How do you get ready for this test?

No preparation is needed for the test. Be sure your health care provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.