Rapid Strep, Influenza, & COVID

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can present as anything from a mild to severe illness, and at times can even lead to death.  These types of respiratory illness tend to increase seasonally, usually in the Fall and Winter months.  With so many different causes for similar illnesses, it can be difficult to know what the cause of any particular respiratory illness symptoms might be.

The most common cause of a respiratory illness is usually a virus.  Viruses shed proteins and other substances, also known as an antigen, which can be used to identify the different/unique virus.  Antigen tests use specialized techniques to identify these substances, and pinpoint or identify if the virus is present.

Results from this type of test can be made available in 10 to 15 minutes and can help identify if symptoms are due to an infection with the influenza virus or not.  Interpretation of these tests can help your healthcare provider better identify potential causes for respiratory illnesses, and if identified in time could help lead to an appropriate treatment, if one is available.

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A simple sore throat can sometimes be difficult to deal with, but knowing the potential cause can help narrow down potential treatments or cures.  While the most common cause of a sore throat is due to a virus, anywhere from 15% up to 40% of sore throat cases can be due to a bacteria called Streptococcus: commonly known as “strep”.  This type of infection is known as strep throat.

There are numerous types of the Streptococcus bacteria, and each type can cause a wide range of symptoms throughout the body; but the most common type for infections in the throat is Streptococcus Group A (Strep A).

While a throat culture is traditionally the better test to grow and identify the responsible bacteria in a sore throat, it can usually take at least 24-48 hours for results.  A rapid strep test, on the other hand, looks for antigens (surface proteins) unique to the Strep A bacteria.  This test can provide a result in approximately 10 minutes and serve as a quick and effective way to identify or rule out this type of infection.  Quicker identification can help your provider provide a more effective and targeted treatment.

Any Lab Test Now does not accept insurance. Click the “Test Details” below to learn about other possible payment options.