MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Streptococcal screen

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Streptococcal screen

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Throat anatomy

Throat swabs

Alternative names Return to top

Rapid strep test

Definition Return to top

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

How the test is performed Return to top

The test requires a throat swab. Antibody-antigen technology is used to identify the presence of group A streptococcus from the swab. The test takes about 7 minutes. A culture for group A streptococcus is often done at the same time, because the rapid test may miss some infections.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

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

Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

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 Return to top

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

Why the test is performed Return to top

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

Normal Values Return to top

Group A streptococcus is not present.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Group A streptococcus is present (confirms strep throat).

What the risks are Return to top

There are no risks.

Special considerations Return to top

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

Update Date: 1/26/2004

Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.