Strep Test: Rapid (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth

Why Is a Rapid Strep Test Done?

The rapid strep test is done to help quickly see whether a child's sore throat is caused by a strep infection vs. other germs (usually viruses) that don't need antibiotic treatment.

Health care providers may do a rapid strep test if a child:

• has symptoms of a strep throat infection and doesn't have symptoms typical of a viral infection
• has a sore throat and has been exposed to someone known to have a strep throat, or if there are many strep throat cases in the community

Sometimes, they do a throat culture instead of a rapid strep test. A throat culture is more accurate than a rapid strep test, but the results take longer (2–3 days) to come back.

How Can I Prepare My Child for a Rapid Strep Test?

Encourage your child to stay still during the procedure so the health care provider can collect a good sample for an accurate test. Be sure to tell them if your child has taken antibiotics recently, and don't have your child use mouthwash before the test, as it may affect test results.

How Is a Rapid Strep Test Done?

Swabbing only takes a few seconds. A health care provider will have your child open their mouth as wide as possible. They'll press your child's tongue down with a flat stick (tongue depressor) to clearly examine the mouth and throat. Using a clean, soft cotton swab, they'll lightly brush over the back of the throat, around the tonsils, and over any red or sore areas to collect a sample.

Sometimes, they use two swabs so the second swab can be sent for a throat culture if the rapid strep test results are negative. The secretions on the swab are then tested in the office or a lab.

You might want to hold a young child on your lap during the procedure to prevent them from moving around, which could make it harder to get a good sample.