Rapid Strep Test

Rapid Strep Test – Why am I having this test?

A rapid strep test is used to check for strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. A rapid strep test is the quickest way to check if these bacteria are causing your sore throat.

You may have this test if you have symptoms of strep throat. These include:

  • Throat pain.
  • Fever.
  • A red throat with yellow or white spots.
  • Neck swelling and tenderness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing.
  • Rash.
  • Dehydration.

The test can be done at your health care provider’s office. Results are usually ready in about 20 minutes.

What is being tested?

This test checks for the presence of the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.

What kind of sample is taken?

This test requires a sample of fluid from the back of your throat and tonsils. Your health care provider may hold down your tongue with a tongue depressor and use a swab to collect the sample.

Your health care provider may collect a second sample at the same time. The second sample may be used for a throat culture. In a culture test, the sample is combined with a substance that encourages bacteria to grow. It takes longer to get the results of the throat culture test, but they are more accurate. They can confirm the results from a rapid strep test, or they may show that those results were wrong.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative for the bacteria that cause strep throat.

What do the results mean?

If the result of your rapid strep test is negative, it means that:

  • It is likely that you do not have strep throat.
  • A virus may be causing your sore throat.

If the result of your rapid strep test is positive, it means that:

  • It is likely that you do have strep throat.
  • You may have to take antibiotic medicine.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean. Your health care provider may do a throat culture to confirm the results of the rapid strep test. The throat culture can also identify the different strains of bacteria that are present.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • A rapid strep test is used to check for strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. A rapid strep test is the quickest way to check if these bacteria are causing your sore throat.
  • The test can be done at your health care provider’s office. Results are usually ready in about 20 minutes.
  • This test requires a sample of fluid from the back of your throat and tonsils. Your health care provider may hold down your tongue with a tongue depressor and use a swab to collect the sample.
  • Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative for the bacteria that cause strep throat.
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