Urgent care centers serve as convenient options for immediate medical needs that are not life-threatening. Strep throat is a prevalent bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, which can lead to a sore throat and other symptoms. This article explores common questions regarding strep throat testing and treatment at urgent care facilities.
Strep Throat Testing at Urgent Care
Urgent care centers routinely provide testing for strep throat. The primary methods used are the rapid strep test (RST) and, at times, a throat culture. Both tests involve swabbing the back of the throat and tonsils to collect a sample. The procedure is quick.
The rapid strep test is designed to quickly detect antigens from Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Results from a rapid strep test are usually available within 10 to 20 minutes. While the rapid test offers quick results, it has some limitations in accuracy. If a rapid test is negative but strep throat is still suspected, especially in children and teenagers, a throat culture may be performed as a follow-up to confirm the diagnosis.
A throat culture involves sending the swabbed sample to a laboratory. This method provides a more accurate diagnosis compared to the rapid test, but it takes longer to get results, typically 24 to 48 hours. In some cases, a second swab might be taken during the initial visit to be sent for a throat culture if the rapid test results are negative.
Understanding Strep Throat Test Results and Next Steps
A positive strep test result indicates the presence of Group A Streptococcus bacteria. When strep throat is confirmed, antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat the infection. Common antibiotics for strep throat include penicillin and amoxicillin, which are often the first choice due to their effectiveness, affordability, and minimal side effects. For individuals with penicillin allergies, other antibiotics like cephalexin, azithromycin, or clindamycin may be prescribed.
It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve quickly. Stopping antibiotics early can lead to the infection returning or to more serious complications, such as rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin.
A negative strep test means that Group A Streptococcus bacteria were not detected, and the sore throat is likely caused by a viral infection. Viral sore throats do not respond to antibiotics and usually resolve on their own with supportive care. Once antibiotic treatment begins, individuals with strep throat are typically no longer contagious after 12 to 24 hours. Without antibiotic treatment, a person with strep throat can remain contagious for several weeks.
When to Visit Urgent Care for Strep Throat
Common symptoms include a sudden sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, and red and swollen tonsils. White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, known as petechiae, can also indicate strep throat. Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck are another frequent sign.
Strep throat symptoms often appear quickly, usually two to five days after exposure to the bacteria. Unlike a common cold, strep throat typically does not cause a cough or runny nose. If a sore throat is severe, lasts more than a few days, or is accompanied by a high fever (101°F or higher), it is advisable to seek medical attention at an urgent care center. However, for severe difficulty breathing, inability to swallow, or drooling, emergency care should be sought immediately.