What is a common symptom that may lead a physician to order a throat culture?

A sore throat is a common symptom that often prompts a physician to order a throat culture. This is because a sore throat can indicate the presence of a bacterial infection, such as streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), which requires accurate diagnosis to guide appropriate treatment. The throat culture allows for the identification of specific pathogens, helping to determine whether the cause of the sore throat is viral or bacterial.

While fever, persistent cough, and nasal congestion are also symptoms associated with various illnesses, they do not specifically indicate a need for a throat culture as strongly as a sore throat does. These other symptoms could arise from numerous conditions, such as viral infections, allergies, or other respiratory issues, making them less definitive indicators for this particular diagnostic test.