Strep Throat (cont.)
How is strep throat detected by the doctor?
During the doctor's physical examination, a throat culture might be taken by
touching a soft cotton swab to the throat and tonsil area. Germs from the swab
are smeared onto a special plate and sent to the laboratory for evaluation of
strep or other bacteria. After 24-48 hours, the rapidly-growing strep germs can
be identified if present in the sample.
There are also rapid strep tests (also called the rapid antigen test)
available that can give results in minutes. This test is less precise than
throat cultures. Therefore, if the doctor has a high suspicion for strep throat,
both tests may be performed, and treatment should be started as soon as possible
even if the rapid test is negative for strep.
Taking any "self prescribed" antibiotic prior to seeing the doctor should be
avoided because even a single dose of antibiotic can interfere with the culture
results and your doctor's ability to correctly diagnose and treat the infection.
A culture to for strep throat may not be done as screening in an individual
without any symptoms suggestive of strep throat. This is because bacteria may be
present without causing an infection. This person is a carrier of the bacteria,
but not infected.
Can a blood test be done to detect strep throat infection?
Streptococcus infection can be detected by measuring the antibodies produced
by the body against the bacteria. This is called the Anti-streptolysin O or ASO
titer. This antibody may not be present in the blood for a few weeks after an
infection, and therefore its measurement may not be accurate to detect an active
or acute infection. ASO titers also may not be detectable if the person had been
appropriately treated with antibiotics.
This test may be useful in evaluating a person with complications of strep
throat infection such as rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis (see below).
Next: Who should be tested for strep throat? »
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