I read with interest the article entitled "Treatment of Acute Sore Throats: A Comparison of Pediatricians and General Physicians" by Dr. Gordis et al. (Pediatrics 57:422, March 1976), but was distressed to find that my style of management may have been considered "below generally accepted standards." Past experience has shown that a single throat culture may yield a false-negative result in 10% to 15% of otherwise documented streptococcal sore throats. This false-negative percentage can be improved by careful adherence to technique, but points up the necessity for the clinician to rely on his judgment as well as the culture result.