Streptococcal screen

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Throat anatomy

Throat swabs

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

Rapid strep test

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.

Review Date: 02/10/2006
Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.