What is specifically detected by the rapid strep A test?

A rapid strep test involves a quick throat swab. Within minutes, the test can show the presence of group A streptococcus bacteria, which can cause strep throat and other infections (including scarlet fever, abscesses, and pneumonia).

What kind of test is a rapid strep test?

Rapid strep test. This test looks for antigens to strep A. Antigens are substances that cause an immune response. A rapid strep test can provide results in 10–20 minutes. If a rapid test is negative, but your provider thinks you or your child has strep throat, he or she may order a throat culture.

How would a rapid test be done for strep?

A rapid strep test is done in the doctor’s office during your visit. It involves sampling the bacteria from the back of your throat and tonsils. The doctor will insert a long, sterile cotton swab in your mouth and rub the back of your throat and tonsils to collect a bacteria sample. Swabbing is quick.

Is a rapid group A streptococcus test 100% accurate?

Since 5 of 100 patients with strep throat will be missed using a rapid strep test, all negative swab specimens should be sent for culture to confirm the absence of strep bacteria. A positive culture requires antibiotics. The rapid strep test has a 98% specificity.

Can strep go away without antibiotics?

If you have strep throat—which is caused by bacteria—your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, such as penicillin. But strep throat goes away on its own in 3 to 7 days with or without antibiotics.

Can a strep test be wrong?

The rapid strep test can give false-negative results even when strep bacteria are present. When the results of a rapid strep test are negative, many doctors recommend doing a throat culture to make sure that strep throat is not present.

Can you have strep but test negative?

A negative result could mean that you or your child doesn’t have strep throat. But it could also be a false negative, meaning your or your child actually do have strep throat. If your results are negative, it’s still a good idea to follow up with a doctor for a throat culture or exam.

Does strep throat come on suddenly or gradually?

What Are the Common Symptoms of Strep Throat? When you have strep, you’ll usually find that your throat is raw and it hurts to swallow. Your sore throat, if it’s caused by strep, will come on very fast, not gradually like many other kinds of sore throats.

Can I have strep throat without a fever?

Yes, you can have strep throat without having a fever. Doctors will commonly look for five primary signs in the first stage of diagnosing strep throat: No Cough. If you have a sore throat, but aren’t coughing, it could be a sign of strep.