Streptococcal screen

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

1 2 5 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X

Throat anatomy Throat swabs

Overview Risks Results

Streptococcal screen

A streptococcal screen is a test to detect streptococcal pharyngitis from a throat swab.

The test requires a throat swab. Antibody-antigen technology is used to identify the presence of group A streptococcus from the swab. The test takes about 7 minutes. A culture for group A streptococcus is often done at the same time, because the rapid test may miss some infections.

There is no special preparation. Inform the health care provider if you are taking, or have recently taken, antibiotics.

Your throat will be swabbed in the area of the tonsils. This may make you gag.

The test is performed when strep throat is suspected or when symptoms of pharyngitis (sore throat) are present.

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page