In this Article

• Overview of streptococcal throat infection
• What is a rapid strep test?
• Why is identification of streptococcal infection important?
• What is the traditional test for strep throat?
• Why is the rapid test better?
• How is a rapid strep test done?
• What are the limitations of the rapid strep test?
• Rapid Strep Test Index

What is a rapid strep test?

The rapid strep test is a quick and accurate diagnostic tool used to determine whether or not strep bacteria are present in the patient's throat. The same test may be used to evaluate for the presence of Streptococci in other infected areas (such as wound infections)

Why is identification of streptococcal infection important?

Patients benefit both immediately and potentially in the long-term by rapid confirmation of streptococcal cause of their sore throat. Antibiotic treatment provides a quicker reduction of symptoms, shortens the duration of illness and quickly, and efficiently eliminates the possibility of spread of infection to others.

• Although rare, more serious consequences of streptococcal infections do occur. Rheumatic fever is associated with heart, joint and nervous system damage and is preventable by rapid treatment of strep disease.
  
  
• Serious kidney disease that may result in kidney failure may also be a consequence of streptococcal infection.
  
  
• A throat infection due to strep needs antibiotic therapy initiated as rapidly as possible. The rapid strep test facilitates this goal.

What is the traditional test for strep throat?

The traditional test for a strep throat has been a throat culture. The major drawback of a throat culture is that the results take two to three days.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• cefprozil, Cefzil - Information on the drug cefprozil (Cefzil), an antibiotic prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections such as sore throat, bronchitis, middle ear, tonsilitis, pneumonia, and skin infections.
• Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) - Learn more about sore throats, including causes, at-home treatments, differences from strep throat, reasons to seek medical care, and what it means to have multiple episodes of strep throat.
• cefixime, Suprax - Information on the drug cefixime (Suprax) prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections such as sore throats, ear infections, tonsillitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, UTIs, COPD, and gonorrhea.

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