How is strep throat detected by the doctor?
During the doctor’s physical examination, a throat culture might be taken by touching a soft cotton swab to the throat and tonsil area. Germs from the swab are smeared onto a special plate and sent to the laboratory for evaluation of strep or other bacteria. After 24-48 hours, the rapidly-growing strep germs can be identified if present in the sample. There are also rapid strep tests (also called the rapid antigen test) available that can give results in minutes. This test is less precise than throat cultures. Therefore, if the doctor has a high suspicion for strep throat, both tests may be performed, and treatment should be started as soon as possible even if the rapid test is negative for strep. Taking any “self prescribed” antibiotic prior to seeing the doctor should be avoided because even a single dose of antibiotic can interfere with the culture results and your doctor’s ability to correctly diagnose and treat the infection. A culture to for strep throat may not be done as screen
