MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Streptococcal screen

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Streptococcal screen

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition How the Test is Performed How to Prepare for the Test How the Test Will Feel	Why the Test is Performed Normal Results What Abnormal Results Mean Risks Considerations

Illustrations

Throat anatomy

Throat swabs

Alternative Names Return to top

Rapid strep test

Definition Return to top

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

How the Test is Performed Return to top

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.

How to Prepare for the Test Return to top

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

How the Test Will Feel Return to top

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

Why the Test is Performed Return to top

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

Normal Results Return to top

Group A streptococcus is not present.

What Abnormal Results Mean Return to top

Group A streptococcus is present (confirms strep throat).

Risks Return to top

There are no risks.

Considerations Return to top

This test screens for the group A streptococcus organism only and will not detect other causes of sore throat.

Update Date: 2/10/2006

Updated by: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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