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Streptococcal screen

  • Definition

    • A streptococcal screen is a test to detect group A streptococcus. This bacteria is the most common cause of strep throat.
  • Alternative Names

    • Rapid strep test
  • How the Test is Performed

    • The test requires a throat swab. The swab is tested to identify group A streptococcus. It takes about 7 minutes to get the results.
  • How to Prepare for the Test

    • There is no special preparation. Tell your health care provider if you are taking antibiotics, or have recently taken them.
  • How the Test will Feel

    • The back of your throat will be swabbed in the area of your tonsils. This may make you gag.
  • Why the Test is Performed

    • Your provider may recommend this test if you have signs of strep throat, which include:

      • Fever
      • Sore throat
      • Tender and swollen glands at the front of your neck
      • White or yellow spots on your tonsils
  • Normal Results

    • A negative strep screen most often means group A streptococcus is not present. It is unlikely that you have strep throat.

      If your provider still thinks that you may have strep throat, a throat culture will be done.
  • What Abnormal Results Mean

    • A positive strep screen most often means group A streptococcus is present, and confirms that you have strep throat.

      Sometimes, the test may be positive even if you do not have strep. This is called a false-positive result.
  • Risks

    • There are no risks.
  • Considerations

    • This test screens for the group A streptococcus bacteria only. It will not detect other causes of sore throat.
  • References

    • Flores AR, Caserta MT. Pharyngitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 59.

      Nussenbaum B, Bradford CR. Pharyngitis in adults. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund V, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 9.

      Shulman ST. Group A streptococcus. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 183.

      Weber R. Pharyngitis. In: Bope ET, Kellerman RD, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2016. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:section 1.