Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus Culture (Throat) Does this test
have other names? Strep test, throat culture What is this test?
This test looks for the bacteria that cause strep throat. This
condition causes a severe sore throat and makes it painful to
swallow. It's important to detect and treat strep throat as soon
as possible because it can progress to more serious illnesses,
such as rheumatic fever. The bacteria most likely to cause strep
throat and bacterial sore throats in general are called Group A
beta-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes (GABHS). This test is a
highly reliable way to diagnose strep throat because it has a
sensitivity of 90 to 95 percent. But it's not used as commonly
as the rapid antigen test because results for the throat culture
are usually not available until 24 to 48 hours later. Why do I
need this test? You may need this test if you have symptoms of
strep throat, including: You may also have this test if your
tonsils are painfully enlarged and your breath smells very bad.
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