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A member asked:
Just had a strep a test. 10 min rapid showed negative but dr sent in for a culture. is it possible the rapid could be wrong? also, will it say if it's viral?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
The rapid test will pick up strep in the vast majority of cases as it detects the genetic material of the strep A germ. The 24 hr culture is a backup in case the rapid strep is falsely negative. ( you have a cautious doc) When both are negative we assume it is viral. With rare exceptions strep A is the only throat infection worth antibiotic treatment.
Answered 10/17/2021
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The rapid test can give false negative results. Since Strep infection requires antibiotic treatment, it is prudent to check a negative result with culture. Wish you good health!
Answered 10/17/2021
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