There are two commonly used techniques to test for Strep throat.
The first is the rapid antigen test, which involves a swab sample from your throat. This sample is tested to detect strep bacteria within minutes, if the test returns negative then the throat culture method may be implemented if strep throat is still suspected.
Throat culture involves swabbing of the back of the throat and tonsils, the sample acquired from this is cultured in a laboratory. This process can take up to two days to yield results.
Both of these tests can be performed by our medical care physicians at Patients First.