How long does it take to get strep results

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For a rapid strep test, the throat and tonsils are swabbed to collect bacteria from the infected area for testing. The bacteria are analyzed to see whether Group A strep (streptococcal) bacteria are causing the sore throat.

A good sample of throat secretions is needed to make sure the test is accurate. A person must remain very still during the procedure so that the doctor is able to collect enough secretions for an accurate test.

Results of a rapid strep test are available in 10 to 15 minutes.

Why It Is Done

It may be done so your doctor can find out right away whether you have strep throat. There is another test for strep, called a throat culture, but that test takes a few days to get the results.

How To Prepare

You don't need to do anything before you have this test.

How It Is Done

• You will be asked to tilt your head back and open your mouth as wide as possible.
• Your doctor will press your tongue down with a flat stick (tongue depressor) and then examine your mouth and throat.
• A clean cotton swab will be rubbed over the back of your throat, around your tonsils, and over any red areas or sores to collect a sample.

How long the test takes

• The test takes less than a minute.
• Results are available in 10 to 15 minutes.

Results

Normal

A normal or negative test means that strep bacteria may not be present.

• Sometimes, negative results are wrong. This means that you may have a negative rapid strep test result and still have strep throat.
• A throat culture may be done if the rapid strep test result is negative.

Abnormal

An abnormal or positive strep test means that strep bacteria are present.

• Antibiotic treatment can be started.
• A positive test result does not distinguish those people with an active strep infection from those who are carriers of strep bacteria but actually have a viral infection (rather than a bacterial one).

Credits

Current as of:
December 2, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Donald R. Mintz MD - Otolaryngology

Current as of: December 2, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Donald R. Mintz MD - Otolaryngology

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CDC is looking into a possible increase in invasive group A strep (iGAS) infections among children in the United States. iGAS infections include necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

The rapid strep screen is used to test for bacteria called group A streptococcus. Group A streptococcus bacteria cause illnesses, such as strep throat and scarlet fever—a rash that may happen after a case of strep throat. Strep throat and scarlet fever can cause a number of symptoms, particularly a fever and a sore throat. These illnesses are quite contagious and need antibiotics to treat. 

Healthcare providers have two ways to test for group A streptococcus. For the rapid strep screen, your healthcare provider or a nurse takes a sample of cells from your tonsils and back of the throat and tests it right in the healthcare provider's office. You can get your results in as little as 5 minutes. If the rapid strep screen is positive, you have strep throat and no further tests may be needed. 

Why do I need this test?

You may need this test if your healthcare provider suspects that you have strep throat. Symptoms of strep throat can include:

• Sore throat

• Painful or difficult swallowing

• Fever

• Swelling or tenderness of the glands in the neck

• Nausea or vomiting

• Skin rash

• Stomachache

• Headache

• Lack of appetite

• Tonsils that are swollen and red

• Patches of white on the tongue or throat

You may need this test to confirm you have a bacterial infection instead of a viral infection before a healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics. You may also need this test if the results of a throat culture, which can provide a more accurate diagnosis, are unavailable for a few days. 

What other tests might I have along with this test?

If the rapid strep screen is negative, your healthcare provider may do another test called throat culture to make sure that strep is not the cause of your sore throat and other symptoms. This test also needs a swab of cells from your tonsils or back of the throat. The sample is sent to a lab, where it is grown, or cultured, and tested for strep bacteria. The results are available in about 2 days. Your results will reveal whether you have group A streptococcus. 

Your healthcare provider may also order:

• Influenza (flu) test

• Mononucleosis (mono spot) test

What do my test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.

Your test results will show whether you have group A streptococcus bacteria in the cells or mucus of your throat. A normal (negative) result will not show any group A streptococcus bacteria. If the test is positive, that means bacteria have been found and you likely have strep throat. 

How is this test done?

The rapid strep screen needs a swab of mucus or cells from the back of your throat. The healthcare provider, nurse, or lab technician will gently swipe the back of your throat with a long cotton swab. A second sample may be taken at the same time to be used in a throat culture if the rapid strep screen is negative. 

Does this test pose any risks?

This test poses no known risks.

What might affect my test results?

Nothing is likely to affect the results of your test, as only the presence of group A streptococcus bacteria should give you a positive result.

How do I get ready for this test?

You don't need to prepare for this test. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illicit drugs you may use.