Strep Test
The Test Sample
What is being tested?
While most sore throats are caused by a virus and will resolve without treatment within a few days, 5-15% of adults and 15-30% of children have bacterial infections caused by this bacteria. It is important that these strep infections be promptly identified and treated with antibiotics. Strep throat is contagious and can spread to close contacts. If the infection is not treated, secondary complications may develop, such as rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart, and glomerulonephritis, which affects the kidneys. Because streptococcal infections are routinely diagnosed and treated, these complications have become much rarer in the United States, but they do still occur.
Symptoms of strep throat vary and can be similar to those caused by other infections. They may include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Headache
- Reddened (inflamed) throat with or without white or yellow spots
- A swollen, tender neck
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
A rapid strep test and/or a throat culture is used to diagnose group A streptococci as the cause of these symptoms and allows the doctor to prescribe the proper antibiotics for treatment.
How is the sample collected for testing?
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?






