Strep A Test is a specific immunological test for the detection of Group A streptococcus bacteria in throat infections. It helps to quickly know if a sore throat is caused by a Strep A or other germs (usually viruses) which do not require antibiotic treatment.
The Strep A Test should be performed in case of throat symptoms such as red/swollen throat or tonsils, body aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting or listlessness. A positive result means that the Group A strep was present in the throat sample and you should consult a physician, who will decide about the next step.
Group A ß-hemolytic streptococcus (also known as Streptococcus pyogenes) is the most common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis and it is also responsible for some skin infections, such as impetigo and erysipelas. Most of the sore throats are caused by viral infections which clear up on their own without antibiotic treatment.
Even if Strep A throat infections can solve within few days without treatment, physicians prescribe antibiotics to prevent related complications that can be serious, such as rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis.
Strep A Test can be used as a preliminary test to determine the possible presence of streptococcus A bacteria in sore throat infections.