|
|
|
|
|
|
Strep Throat
Also known as: Throat culture, Rapid strep test Formal name: Group A streptococcus, Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus Related tests: Influenza, Blood culture, ASO
|
|
|
|
      |
|
|
The Test Sample
|
| |
What is being tested?This test identifies the presence of the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus and group A streptococcus. Group A streptococci can infect the back of the throat (the pharynx) and cause “strep throat,” the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis (sore throat).
How is the sample collected for testing?A doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional uses a tongue depressor to hold down your tongue and then inserts a special swab into your mouth and rubs it against the back of your throat and tonsils. The swab may be used to do a rapid strep test in a doctor’s office or clinic or it may be sent to a laboratory, where a rapid strep test and/or a throat culture is performed.
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.
|
|
|
This article was last reviewed on
January 20, 2006.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
