Strep

A strep test is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of Streptococcus bacteria, specifically Group A Streptococcus (GAS), which causes strep throat. This test helps to diagnose and treat strep throat, preventing complications and the spread of infection.

What is it?

A strep test is a medical test used to determine if a sore throat is caused by a Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection. It involves taking a throat swab to detect the presence of the bacteria. There are two main types of strep tests: the rapid strep test and the throat culture.

What happens during the procedure:

The process of performing a strep test typically involves the following steps:

Preparation:
- The patient is asked to open their mouth wide and say “ah” to expose the throat and tonsils.
- A tongue depressor may be used to keep the tongue down.
Sample Collection:
- A sterile swab is rubbed over the back of the throat and tonsils to collect a sample of secretions.
- This process may cause slight discomfort or gagging but is quick.
Rapid Strep Test:
- The swab is then tested on-site using a rapid antigen detection kit.
- Results are typically available within 10-20 minutes.
Throat Culture:
- Alternatively, the swab can be sent to a laboratory for a throat culture.
- This test is more accurate but takes 24-48 hours for results.

Benefits:

Quick Diagnosis: Rapid strep tests provide results in minutes, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Accurate Detection: Identifies the presence of Group A Streptococcus, enabling targeted antibiotic treatment.
Prevents Complications: Early diagnosis and treatment of strep throat can prevent complications such as rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, and the spread of infection.
Reduces Symptoms: Timely treatment helps alleviate symptoms more quickly, improving patient comfort and reducing the duration of illness.

Things to keep in mind:

False Negatives: Rapid strep tests can sometimes produce false-negative results. A throat culture is recommended if strep throat is still suspected despite a negative rapid test.
Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance. It’s important to confirm a strep infection before using antibiotics.
Follow-Up: If symptoms persist or worsen after a negative test, a follow-up visit to the healthcare provider is necessary.
Contagion: Strep throat is contagious. Patients should avoid close contact with others until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and symptoms improve.

Alternatives:

Throat Culture: More accurate than the rapid strep test but takes longer to get results. It involves the same swab procedure but is sent to a lab for culturing.
Clinical Diagnosis: Based on symptoms and physical examination, though this method is less reliable without laboratory confirmation.
Molecular Tests (PCR): Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are highly sensitive and can detect strep bacteria quickly, though they are not as commonly used due to higher costs and complexity.

Strep

What is it?

What happens during the procedure:

Benefits:

Things to keep in mind:

Alternatives:

Treatments and services

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Illnesses

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On-Site Diagnostic Tests

Vaccines/ TB Testing

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