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?

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.

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!