Streptococcal screen

Throat anatomy

Throat swabs

Streptococcal screen

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Rapid strep test

How the test is performed:

The test requires a throat swab. Antibody-antigen technology is used to identify the presence of the Group A Streptococcus from the swab. The test takes about 7 minutes.

How to prepare for the test:

There is no special preparation. Inform the health care provider if you are using, or have recently used, antibiotic therapy.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

Your throat will be swabbed in the area of the tonsils. This may produce a gagging sensation.

Why the test is performed:

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

Normal Values:

Group A Streptococcus is not present.

What abnormal results mean:

Group A Streptococcus is present (confirms strep throat).

What the risks are:

There are no risks.

Special considerations:

This test screens for the Group A Streptococcus organism only and will not detect other causes of pharyngitis.

Review Date: 1/13/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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