Description

A strep test culture, also known as a throat culture, is a laboratory test that identifies the presence of group A streptococcus bacteria in the throat. This bacteria is the most common cause of strep throat, but it can also cause other infections like scarlet fever, pneumonia, and abscesses.

A throat culture and a rapid strep test are both ways to detect group A strep bacteria that cause strep throat, but they differ in accuracy, time to results, and when they're recommended. This test will aid in determining the bacterial cause for infections in the throat. It is more sensitive than a rapid strep test. A rapid strep test is more prompt and is 95% accurate. The throat culture helps to avoid missing the 5%.

Fasting not required.