Problem:
When performing a throat swab for suspected streptococcal pharyngitis, which of the following steps is most critical for obtaining an accurate specimen? Need Assignment Help? Swabbing the inner surface of the cheek to ensure a larger area is sampled. Using a dry swab to collect a specimen from only one tonsillar pillar. Instructing the patient to open their mouth wide, depress the tongue with a tongue depressor, and say "ahh" to expose the posterior pharynx before swabbing the tonsillar pillars and posterior pharyngeal wall. Having the patient gargle with water immediately before swabbing to moisten the mucosa.