To diagnose a possible bacterial infection of the throat (usually Streptococcus pyogenes)
Throat Infection Test
Throat Infection Test
Also Known As
Throat culture
Formal Name
Group A streptococcus
Group A beta haemolytic streptococcus
Streptococcus pyogenes
This article was last reviewed
on
This article waslast modified
on 14 March 2023.
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
When To Get Tested?
If you have a sore throat and fever and your doctor thinks it may have a bacterial cause (although most sore throats are caused by viruses and won't require antibiotics)
Sample Required?
The bacteria are tested for by throat culture. Your doctor may use a tongue depressor to hold down your tongue, and then insert a special swab into your mouth and brush it against your throat and tonsils. The swab will be sent to a laboratory, where culture is performed.
Test Preparation Needed?
No test preparation is needed. The test should be performed before antibiotics are prescribed.
Accordion Title
Common Questions
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How is it used?
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When is it requested?
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What does the test result mean?
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Is there anything else I should know?
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How long does treatment for bacterial infection of the throat usually last?
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How long should I stay away from other people if I have a positive test result?
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When can my child go back to school?
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If one child in my family has sore throat, is everyone going to get sick?
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What is an ASO test and how is it used to detect a bacterial infection of the throat?