Although some over-the-counter (at home) tests typically have a good level of accuracy, how accurate are rapid strep throat tests available over-the-counter? While they can sometimes provide correct results, it’s important to understand that they are not perfect and may occasionally produce inaccurate results.
The task of caring for an unwell child can be anxiety-inducing. At The Youth Clinic we see a number of families using over-the-counter (at home) rapid strep throat tests. This trend is driven by a desire to alleviate parental concerns and potentially avoid an urgent care visit when a child has a sore throat. The logic behind using these home tests is clear, but it is essential that parents are well-informed before deciding on the most effective approach to their child’s healthcare. In light of this, here’s more information on the accuracy of the over-the-counter rapid strep test.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat is more than just a sore throat and comes with a specific set of symptoms, which may include:
- Sudden onset of a severe sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
If you are still unsure of whether or not your child has strep throat, try using our Symptom Checker or call your pediatrician to schedule an appointment.
Understanding Rapid Strep Testing
Rapid strep tests offer the advantage of being readily accessible and delivering fast results. However, these tests can sometimes return a false-negative result. This is when the test indicates that strep is not present, even though it is the root cause of the infection. False negatives can occur for several reasons:
Swabbing Missteps: This commonly happens when saliva is inadvertently collected from the tongue, or the back of the throat is not swabbed properly.
Insufficient Bacteria or Strep Protein: The test might not show a positive result if there are too few bacteria or not enough strep protein present.
Moreover, there’s the potential for false-positive results with rapid strep tests when another issue is responsible for the sore throat:
Other Bacteria or Protein: The test can be triggered positive by other bacteria or protein that are present on the swab.
Antibiotics Prescription: While an at-home rapid strep throat test will give a result in minutes, you will still need to be seen by a healthcare provider for a diagnosis of the infection and to get a prescription for antibiotics.
Our Approach at The Youth Clinic
While over-the-counter (at home) tests offer convenience and immediate results, their inherent risks necessitate a more comprehensive approach. If you suspect your child has strep throat, we recommend scheduling an appointment for a more thorough test at The Youth Clinic. Our medical team will assess your child and determine if a test for strep is needed. If testing is necessary, we’ll employ a PCR test, known for its high sensitivity and precision in detecting the strep bacteria. Strep can be a dangerous infection with a myriad of potential complications.
Your Next Steps
If you are concerned about the possibility of your child having strep, you can request an appointment at any of our locations, Monday through Friday (see hours for each location).
For assistance outside these regular hours, our partner facility, Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado, is fully equipped to help your family with onsite testing. They operate 365 days a year, including holidays, to ensure your child’s healthcare needs are met conveniently and effectively.