Diagnostic Tests.
Be sure to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis. The doctor will do a physical examination, ask about symptoms, and refer you for tests if necessary. [7] There are two types of tests for strep throat: a rapid strep test and throat culture.
A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab. It quickly shows if group A is the cause of your condition. If the test is positive, antibiotics are prescribed. If it is negative, but the doctor still suspects strep throat, a throat culture swab will be taken. This test takes more time, as it shows if group A strep bacteria grow from the swab, but it is more accurate and can show infections that the rapid strep test misses. Culture is especially important in kids who are at risk of developing rheumatic fever from an untreated strep throat. Adults aren’t usually referred for a throat culture in case of a negative rapid strep test. [3]
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