Rapid Antigen Test: Understanding, Procedure & Results

A rapid antigen test is used to diagnose strep throat which is an infection of the pharynx or throat caused by streptococcus, a pathogenic bacteria, also referred to as GAS. A throat culture usually takes 24--48 hours, but the rapid test shows results within five minutes and, if positive, eliminates the need for a throat culture. In addition, antibiotic therapy can begin immediately if the results are positive; streptococci are sensitive to antibiotics. The rapid antigen test is easy to administer, but should be done by a licensed health practitioner for accurate results and minimal contagion.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton or Dacron swab
• GAS rapid antigen test
• Protective gloves
• Face mask

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Wear protective gloves and a face mask. The streptococcus bacteria is highly contagious.

• 2

  Rub a cotton or Dacron swab over both tonsils and the back of the mouth. Avoid contact with other parts of the mouth such as the tongue and cheeks.

• 3

  Place the swab in the container specifically designed for the rapid antigen test.

• 4

  Conduct the test according to the manufacturer's directions. The rapid antigen test will come with a package insert that gives specific instructions on how to conduct the test and read the results. The rapid antigen test is a DNA chemiluminescence probe assay that is targeted at the GAS (streptococcus bacteria), so the results will be either positive or negative.