A strep test is a quick test that helps diagnose a sore throat. For a quick test, the throat and tonsils are scanned to collect bacteria from the affected area for testing. The bacteria are analyzed to see if streptococcus bacteria is causing a sore throat, according to healthlinkbc.
A good sample of throat secretions is needed to make sure the test is accurate. A person must remain still while the sample is taken so the doctor can collect enough secretions for an accurate test. Results of a rapid strep test are available within 10 to 15 minutes.
Why is a rapid strep test performed?
A rapid strep test may be performed in the following cases:
The person has symptoms of a sore throat.
A person was exposed to streptococcus bacteria during an epidemic of rheumatic fever.
If the person has a personal or family history of rheumatic fever or other serious infections (such as toxic shock syndrome) and has been exposed to streptococcus, in this case, if there are no symptoms, an initial culture can be done because it is more accurate than the rapid strep test.
In general, it is not necessary to test people who have had strep throat but do not have any symptoms.
How do you read the results of a rapid bacteria test?
Rapid strep test results may include:
natural results
A normal or negative test means that streptococcus bacteria may not be present.
Sometimes negative results are false, which means you may have a negative rapid strep test result and still have strep throat.
A throat culture may be done if the rapid strep test result is negative.
Abnormal results
An abnormal or positive streptococcal test means the presence of streptococcus bacteria.
Antibiotic treatment can be started.
A positive test result does not distinguish those people with an active bacterial infection from those who carry streptococcus bacteria but already have a viral (rather than a bacterial) infection.
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