A rapid strep test is used to identify the presence of a Streptococcus bacteria. This bacteria commonly causes strep throat problems. It is fast and effective in helping the healthcare provider to know whether a sore throat is a result of strep bacteria or any other cause like a virus. This information may be useful in reducing a patient’s anxiety when waiting for a rapid strep test result and its duration.
What is a Rapid Strep Test?
A rapid strep test is a quick diagnostic procedure that healthcare practitioners employ to determine whether or not a patient has strep bacteria in his or her throat. The test requires the use of a cotton wool swab to take a sample from the back of the throat.
How Does the Rapid Strep Test Work?
The rapid strep test identifies certain proteins (antigens). These proteins which are located on the surface of the Group A Streptococcus bacteria cause an immune response in the body. If the antigens are there, then the test result will give a positive signal showing that the person is indeed suffering from strep throat.
How Long Does It Take to Perform a Rapid Strep Test?
The rapid strep test normally takes about 10-15 minutes to produce the results. The procedure involved in taking the throat swab and preparing the sample can take only a few minutes. After the swab is processed it only takes a few minutes for the test to tell if the Group A Streptococcus bacteria are present.
The Strep Test Procedure: A Guide to the Fastest Strep Test
- Throat Swab – This is where the healthcare provider will use a sterile cotton swab to obtain a sample from the patient’s throat including the tonsils or the throat at the back.
- Sample Processing – The swab is immersed into a solution which will aid in the identification of antigens that belong to Group A Streptococcus.
- Result Development – After applying the test, the result usually comes out within 10-15 minutes if the testing device is used.
Time Factors That May Affect the Test
- Patient Volume – If there is a high traffic of patients in the clinic or emergency room then the waiting time might be more due to a large number of patients getting tested.
- Test Type – The rapid strep test takes less time than the throat culture, which may take 24 to 48 hours to come up with the results.
Rapid Strep Test – How Accurate is It?
As already known, the rapid strep test is very efficient, but it is not 100% accurate. On occasion, the test may be negative, which means that the test says that there is no strep bacteria even though the patient has a strep infection. In such situations, a throat culture may be done to confirm the possibility of the presence of the bacteria. Throat cultures are longer but are more accurate than any other method for diagnosing strep throat.
What Happens After the Rapid Strep Test?
In the case the rapid strep test is positive, the doctor will give the patient antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin to help get rid of the infection. It is critical to take antibiotics since they help to avoid the development of other diseases related to strep throat for instance rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. Sometimes if the test is negative but the patient is still exhibiting symptoms of strep throat, the doctor may carry out a throat culture.
Merits of the Rapid Strep Test:
The rapid strep test has several advantages: The rapid strep test has several advantages:
- Speed – The results are as fast as within minutes, therefore, quick diagnosis and start of the treatment.
- Ease – The test can be done at the office of the doctor or the clinic.
- Early Treatment – This is because treatment can be administered as soon as possible and this minimizes chances of complications.
When is it necessary to Retest?
Sometimes, if the symptoms do not diminish or if the rapid strep test is negative, then the throat culture may have to be repeated. Retesting is most important in the case of a high-risk population, such as children or any other population with a compromised immune system.
Conclusion
Rapid strep test is the point of care test that is efficient, accurate, and easy to perform in diagnosing strep throat. The results of this test take only 10 to 15 minutes, which is beneficial for the doctors to make quick decisions regarding the treatment. If the results are negative but the symptoms persist, other tests such as throat cultures may be required to make the correct diagnosis.
Like any other disease, strep throat must be diagnosed early and treated promptly so that complications do not arise and recovery is fast. If you or your close one has signs of strep throat, it is advisable to see a doctor and think about a rapid strep test.
FAQ’s
Q1. What is the Significance of the Rapid Strep Test?
The rapid strep test is employed to quickly identify the cause of a sore throat, which is Group A Streptococcus bacteria that is responsible for strep throat. The test identifies specific antigens of these bacteria and makes it possible for physicians to prescribe antibiotics if required.
Q2. How soon does one get the result of a rapid strep test?
Rapid strep test normally takes 10-15 minutes to yield results of the test. The test itself is to take a throat swab sample and the sample is then processed to give a rapid result.
Q3. Is the rapid strep test painful?
The rapid strep test is not painful but can be uncomfortable for some individuals. It entails the use of a rapid and short movement of the swab across the throat, especially the back of it or the tonsils.
Q4. If you get a positive result in your rapid strep test, then what?
In case your rapid strep test is positive, your doctor will recommend that you take antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Antibiotics are useful in managing the disease to lessen the intensity of the signs, and the duration of the disease and prevent for instance rheumatic fever or inflammation of the kidneys.
ANTITECK provide uncut sheet rapid test for rapid test kit manufacturing, contact us for more information via info@antiteck.com
Maybe you also interested: how to set up a manufacturing unit for drug test kit production?
How To Setup Lateral Flow Assay Manufacturing Factory?