What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, or swollen glands in your neck. It checks for Group A Streptococcus, the bacteria behind strep throat, so you can find out quickly if that's the cause of your symptoms. Knowing this helps you decide whether you need treatment to avoid the infection getting worse or spreading to others.

What's included in this test?

This test looks for Group A Streptococcus bacteria using a rapid antigen check, with an automatic reflex to a bacterial culture if the initial result is negative but symptoms suggest infection could still be present. The reflex culture step matters because rapid antigen tests can sometimes miss an infection that's actually there, so the culture acts as a backup to give you a more reliable answer.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative result means. If your result is positive, next steps typically include resting, staying hydrated, and seeking treatment promptly to lower the risk of complications like abscesses or rheumatic fever. A standard lab report is available to download from your account at any time, and if you get tested again in the future, you can track your results over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support a sore throat while waiting on results?

Gargling with warm salt water, sipping warm liquids like tea with honey, and staying well hydrated can help soothe throat pain and irritation. Getting extra rest gives your immune system the energy it needs to fight off infection. Avoiding smoke, dry air, and shared drinks or utensils can also help reduce irritation and prevent spreading germs to others.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically available within about 7 days, since a negative rapid antigen result automatically triggers a follow-up bacterial culture for confirmation, which takes extra time to grow and read. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready to view in your account. If your symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening before then, don't wait on results — seek medical care right away.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with a sore throat accompanied by fever, swollen neck glands, or white patches on the tonsils should consider this test, especially if symptoms came on suddenly without typical cold symptoms like a runny nose or cough. It's also useful for people who've been in close contact with someone diagnosed with strep throat. Testing helps confirm whether antibiotics are actually needed, since most sore throats are caused by viruses that antibiotics won't help.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for a sudden sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches or streaks), and tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Some people also experience headache, stomach pain, or nausea, especially children. If you notice these symptoms without a cough or stuffy nose, strep is more likely and testing is a good idea.

What causes a positive strep result and how does it spread?

A positive result means the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes is present in your throat, which is usually picked up through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. It can also spread by sharing food, drinks, or utensils with someone who's infected. Some people carry the bacteria without symptoms, which is why testing is the most reliable way to confirm infection rather than guessing based on symptoms alone.

How often should I retest?

If your symptoms don't improve within a few days after starting treatment, or if they come back shortly after clearing up, it's reasonable to retest to make sure the infection is fully gone or hasn't returned. Repeat testing is also useful if you're a known carrier and want to confirm clearance before returning to school, work, or close contact with others. Otherwise, there's no need to routinely retest unless new symptoms develop.

What should I do if my results are positive?

If you test positive, focus on rest, fluids, and throat-soothing remedies like warm salt water gargles while you arrange treatment to clear the infection. Avoid close contact with others, especially in the first day or so, since strep is contagious until treatment has had time to work. Watch for warning signs like difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or a high fever that doesn't improve — these warrant urgent medical care.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Strep Throat Test - Rapid Antigen with Culture Backup

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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