Strep Test - what is it and how the test is done
A throat culture, often known as a strep test, is used to predict the existence of group A streptococcus bacteria, the most frequent condition of strep throat, using a throat swab. Other illnesses caused by these bacteria include rheumatic fever, abscesses, and pneumonia.
A specimen of the back of the neck is rubbed and placed on a specific plate that allows germs to develop in the lab. Chemical tests are used to identify the nature of the infection. If no bacteria multiply, the culture is clean, and the individual does not have strep throat.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that afflicts the throat's back area and the tonsils, causing them to become inflamed and swollen, resulting in a sore throat that is particularly uncomfortable while eating. There may also be white or yellow flecks or a covering on the throat and tonsils, and the lymph nodes on the edges of the neck may expand.
Strep A tests are classified into two types:
Rapid strep test:
This test checks for strep A antigens. Antigens are chemicals that activate the immune system. The results of a fast strep test can be obtained in 10-20 minutes.
Culture of the throat:
This test checks for the bacterium strep A. It delivers a more precise test than a rapid test, although results can take 24-48 hours.
A specimen of the back of the neck is rubbed and placed on a specific plate that allows germs to develop in the lab. Chemical tests are used to identify the nature of the infection. If no bacteria multiply, the culture is clean, and the individual does not have strep throat.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that afflicts the throat's back area and the tonsils, causing them to become inflamed and swollen, resulting in a sore throat that is particularly uncomfortable while eating. There may also be white or yellow flecks or a covering on the throat and tonsils, and the lymph nodes on the edges of the neck may expand.
Strep A tests are classified into two types:
Rapid strep test:
This test checks for strep A antigens. Antigens are chemicals that activate the immune system. The results of a fast strep test can be obtained in 10-20 minutes.
Culture of the throat:
This test checks for the bacterium strep A. It delivers a more precise test than a rapid test, although results can take 24-48 hours.