We provide a range of diagnostic procedures, including strep tests. This procedure is essential in detecting the presence of Streptococcus pyogenes, a bacterium that can cause illnesses such as strep throat and scarlet fever. Upon your visit, we will ask you to open your mouth broadly and tilt your head back. Using a flashlight, a healthcare provider will examine your throat for signs of inflammation, redness, white patches, or pus. This step is vital because not all sore throats are caused by strep; viral infections can also cause similar symptoms. After the visual examination, a sterile, long swab is used to take a sample from the back of your throat. After that, this sample is transferred to a lab for analysis while being kept in a designated container to prevent contamination. At the lab, the sample undergoes testing using a test strip containing antibodies that bind specifically to strep antigen, a protein found on the surface of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. If the strep antigen is present, it will bind to the antibodies on the test strip, causing the strip to change color. If the strep antigen is absent, no color change will occur. We use two types of strep tests: a rapid antigen test and a throat culture. In a matter of minutes, the fast antigen test provides results. However, if the rapid test is negative but still suspects strep throat, a throat culture may be performed, which provides results within 24 to 48 hours. The strep test is a crucial diagnostic tool at our facility, providing rapid and accurate results. It aids in making an accurate diagnosis and guiding appropriate treatment for strep infections. We strive to provide the best care possible, and one of the ways we try to guarantee patient wellness is using strep testing.