If the test is positive, which means strep is there, the doctor will prescribe If the test is negative, which means the strep bacteria could not be found, the doctor might send the sample to a lab for a follow-up that takes longer.It usually takes about 2 days to get results from a throat culture. Stopping the medicine too early can leave some bacteria alive. This test can detect strep bacteria in minutes by looking for substances (antigens) in the throat. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.

Most treatments last for about 10 days. If taken within 48 hours of the onset of the illness, antibiotics reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as the risk of complications and the likelihood that infection will spread to others.With treatment, you or your child should start feeling better in a day or two.

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Rapid antigen test.

Your throat feels raw, and it hurts to swallow.Strep is also more likely to cause these other symptoms as well:Call your doctor if you or a child in your care has these symptoms.Your doctor will ask about your child's symptoms. Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A streptococcus. Be sure to tell the doctor if your young one is allergic to any types of antibiotics.If the strep test is negative, a virus likely caused the sore throat. The test is painless and takes very little time.

2. "WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Make a list of:Take along a family member or friend, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.For strep throat, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:Your doctor is likely to ask a number of questions, including:If you think you or your child might have a strep infection, take steps to avoid spreading infection:Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. These can make your child sick again. The medicine can make your child's symptoms go away faster and help prevent complications.Make sure your child takes all of the doses. The only sure way to tell strep from viruses that cause a sore throat is with a test. 99 ($1.20/Count) $38.95 $38.95

A Rapid strep test is used to quickly diagnose streptococcus infections. Wondview Strep Test Kit for Strep Throat Testing Group A Strep Antigen, CLIA Waived Test (25 Pack) 4.2 out of 5 stars 198 $29.99 $ 29 . It can confirm whether your child has strep throat or not.Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause the infection.

When people who are sick You can infect yourself if you touch something a person with strep has coughed or sneezed upon and then brush your With strep, the sore throat comes on quickly. Your child doesn't need antibiotics because these Strep complications are rare today, thanks to better diagnosis and treatment. Like other infections, it spreads through close contact.

"PubMed Health: "Strep Throat," "Strep Throat: Treatments. Strep tests are used to determine whether a person with a sore throat (pharyngitis) has strep throat, an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus (GAS).. If strep throat is present, a doctor will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic to treat the infection. Your doctor will likely first perform a rapid antigen test on a swab sample from your throat.

Someone who tests positive for strep throat but has no symptoms (called a “carrier”) usually does not need antibiotics. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, look for signs and symptoms of strep throat, and probably order one or more of the following tests:Medications are available to cure strep throat, relieve its symptoms, and prevent its complications and spread.If you or your child has strep throat, your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. If a carrier gets a sore throat illness caused by a virus, the rapid strep test can be positive. Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers.

But be sure to finish all the medicine.

All rights reserved. There are two kinds:You'll get the results in 20 minutes or less. The tip of a cotton swab is used to wipe the back of the throat. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children.In most cases, antibiotics will quickly wipe out the bacteria causing the infection.

A rapid strep test checks for streptococcus bacteria infection in the throat.

In the meantime, try these tips to relieve symptoms of strep throat:When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test.

Throat culture.