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Rapid
Strep Test
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What is the
test?
A throat infection with streptococcus bacteria
(called strep throat) needs to be treated with
an antibiotic. A test is commonly used to find
out whether streptococcus bacteria are present
on your throat surface. The traditional test for
a strep throat has been a throat culture, which
takes two to three days to produce results. Several
different types of rapid strep tests, however,
can produce results within minutes to hours. A
rapid strep test can only detect the presence of
Group A strep, the one most likely to cause serious
throat infections; it does not detect other kinds
of strep or other bacteria.
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How
do I prepare for the test?
No preparation is necessary.
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What
happens when the test is performed?
A cotton swab is rubbed against the back of
your throat to gather a sample of mucus. This
takes only a second or two and makes some people
feel a brief gagging or choking sensation. The
mucus sample is then tested for a protein that
comes from the strep bacteria.
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What
risks are there from the test?
There are no risks.
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Must
I do anything special after the test is over?
No.
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How
long is it before the result of the test is
known?
Results may be available in minutes to a few
hours. Often the doctor will ask you to wait
in the office until the result is back.
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