Group A Streptococcus Testing

Group A Strep

Group A Streptococcus (or shortened to Group A Strep) is a group of bacteria that can cause different types of infections. Group A Strep bacteria are contagious and spread between people easily through salivary droplets or direct contact. Strep throat is a type of infection caused by this bacteria. It takes 2-5 days after exposure to develop symptoms.

Symptoms often include:

• fever

• sore throat that started very quickly

• pain when swallowing

• red and swollen tonsils

• white patches of pus on tonsils

• red spots on the top of the mouth (petechiae)

• swollen lymph nodes in the front of neck

Symptoms do NOT include:

• cough

• runny nose

• voice hoarseness

• pink eye (conjunctivitis)

For a rapid strep test, the throat and tonsils are swabbed to collect bacteria from the infected area for testing. The bacteria are analyzed to see whether Group A strep (streptococcal) bacteria are causing the sore throat. A good sample of throat secretions is needed to make sure the test is accurate. A person must remain very still during the procedure so that the doctor is able to collect enough secretions for an accurate test.

Results of a rapid strep test are available in 10 to 15 minutes.

Cost $20

What if you test positive?

Our pharmacists can prescribe an antibiotic to treat the Group A strep causing the infection. Antibiotics can help a person get better faster, prevent spreading the bacteria to others and prevent serious complications like rheumatic fever. Stay at home from work, school or daycare until you no longer have a fever. You should have taken the antibiotic for at least 12 to 24 hours.

Our pharmacist may also prescribe a mouthwash that can help reduce the pain from the sore throat.

What if you test negative?

Antibiotics are not needed if you test negative for Group A strep. In children and teens, if group A strep is suspected still, then a throat culture may need to be done. Our pharmacist may still prescribe a mouthwash that can help reduce the pain from the sore throat.

Protect yourself and others

You can get Strep throat more than once. Bacteria, like group A Strep, or viruses are spread by contact. Healthy hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of infections. Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol based sanitizer if water and soap aren't available. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue to minimize the spread of droplets to other people.