Updated January 01, 2014.

Definition: If an infection is suspected, a sample of fluid from the ear, nose or throat will be obtained. The sample will be taken to a laboratory and placed in a culture medium to help identify the the organism. After a sufficient period of time, the bacteria or virus will multiply in the right medium. When enough bacteria is present, the organism may be identified by looking at it under a microscope; this is called a culture.

If the organism is bacterial, a second test can be done to determine which antibiotics the organism will respond to.