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Strep Throat Test


Why is this procedure done?


This test is done to find out if a germ known as group A Streptococcus has caused your sore throat. You may also hear this germ called strep. A sore throat can be caused by many things and strep is one of them. Strep throat is easy to spread from person to person. It can also have serious effects if it is not treated. Your doctor may order this test to: ‚  
  • Learn if your sore throat is caused by the strep germ
  • Help decide what treatment is needed

What will the results be?


  • The doctor will look at the results of your test.
  • If the results are normal or negative, it means you likely do not have strep throat. Your sore throat is caused by some other problem.
  • If the results are not normal or positive, you likely have strep throat.
  • Your doctor may order another test. This will help check a result that is not as clear or to learn more about why your throat is sore.
  • Your doctor will talk with you about treatment.
  • If you are very ill, your doctor may start treatment before the test results are back.

What happens before the procedure?


  • There are no special things to do before the test.
  • Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking.

What happens during the procedure?


  • It will only take a few minutes to have this test.
  • A flat stick or tongue depressor will be used to hold your tongue down and out of the way. Then, the doctor or nurse will rub a swab over the back of your throat and tonsils. When your throat is sore, the swab may be painful, but it will only last a few seconds. A second swab may be done.
  • The swab will go into a bottle or tube partly filled with fluids.
  • Your doctor may do a rapid strep test in the office and be able to give you results within a short time.
  • Your doctor may send a second swab to a lab for more testing.

What happens after the procedure?


Ask your doctor when you will get the results. The rapid test will give results in 10 to 20 minutes. You may get other testing results in 1 to 3 days. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


You may do your everyday activities after this test. You may be asked to stay home and not have visitors until you have taken your drugs for at least 24 hours. ‚  

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Pain
  • Gagging
  • Eyes watering

Where can I learn more?


American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚  
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/strep/tab/test ‚  
Kids Health ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/labtest11.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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