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Contents
  • When Testing for GAS is Necessary
  • Types of Tests Available
  • Understanding Test Results

How to Know If Your Sore Throat Needs a Test

How to Know If Your Sore Throat Needs a Test

What's This About?

Not every sore throat requires a medical test, but knowing when to get tested can prevent complications and unnecessary treatments.
Contents
  • When Testing for GAS is Necessary
  • Types of Tests Available
  • Understanding Test Results

When Testing for GAS is Necessary

Testing for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is crucial if you have symptoms like a sudden sore throat, fever, and swollen neck lymph nodes. The Centor criteria, which include tonsillar exudates and no cough, can help decide if testing is needed. Testing is usually reserved for those with three or more Centor criteria.

Types of Tests Available

There are two main types of tests for diagnosing GAS pharyngitis: the rapid antigen detection test (RADT) and the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). RADTs are quick and specific, but NAATs are more sensitive and can be used if RADT results are negative but suspicion remains.
A sore throat is a common symptom that might require testing to determine if it is caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), especially if accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes.

Understanding Test Results

A positive RADT or NAAT confirms GAS pharyngitis, and antibiotics are recommended. If RADT is negative, further testing is usually not needed unless there's a high risk of complications. In such cases, a throat culture or NAAT can verify the results.

FAQs

What is the Centor criteria?

A tool to help decide if GAS testing is needed.

What does a positive RADT mean?

It confirms GAS pharyngitis and suggests antibiotics.

Is NAAT more accurate?

Yes, it's more sensitive than RADT.

When should a throat culture be used?

When RADT is negative and there's high suspicion of GAS.

The Bottom Line

Testing can clarify the cause of a sore throat, guiding appropriate treatment.
Get started: Talk to Doctronic to determine if you need a throat test.
Additional References
  1. Centor RM, Atkinson TP, Waites KB. Fusobacterium-Positive and Streptococcal-Positive Pharyngitis. Ann Intern Med 2015; 162:877.
  2. Webb KH, Needham CA, Kurtz SR. Use of a high-sensitivity rapid strep test without culture confirmation of negative results: 2 years' experience. J Fam Pract 2000; 49:34.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.