How Long Do Strep Tests Take?

At Kidswood Pediatrics, we understand how important it is to quickly and accurately diagnose sore throats in children. One of the most common causes is streptococcal pharyngitis, or “strep throat.” Our practice offers comprehensive strep testing to ensure your child receives the right care, right when it’s needed.

We use two main types of strep tests:

● Rapid Strep Test (Rapid Antigen Detection Test – RADT):

During your visit to Kidswood Pediatrics, our experienced providers will gently swab your child’s throat. The rapid strep test can deliver results in just 10 to 20 minutes, allowing us to diagnose strep throat during your appointment. If the test is positive, we can start antibiotic treatment right away to help your child feel better faster.

● Throat Culture:

If your child’s rapid strep test is negative, but our pediatricians still suspect strep throat, we may perform a throat culture for confirmation. The throat swab will be sent to the lab, and results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours. This test is more sensitive and can catch cases that might be missed by the rapid test.

We are committed to providing timely and accurate diagnosis for your child’s health. If you suspect your child has strep throat, schedule an appointment with us. We’re here to help your family with compassionate, expert pediatric care every step of the way.

A rapid strep test is a quick way for our pediatricians to check for group A Streptococcus bacteria, the main cause of strep throat. After gently swabbing your child’s throat, our team can provide results in just 10 to 20 minutes. This means that, during your visit, we can determine if your child has strep throat and start the appropriate treatment right away if needed.

Sometimes, we may also recommend a throat culture. This test is performed with a similar throat swab, but the sample is sent to the laboratory, where any bacteria is allowed to grow. Results from a throat culture typically take 24 to 48 hours. Throat cultures are more sensitive and can detect cases that a rapid strep test might miss.

At Kidswood Pediatrics, our goal is to provide the best care for your child. Using both rapid strep tests and throat cultures allows us to ensure your child receives an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment, helping them get back to feeling better as soon as possible. If your child is experiencing a sore throat or other symptoms, our team is here to help!

If your child is being tested for strep throat, you may be wondering how quickly you’ll get the results. Our practice offers two main types of tests for streptococcal infection:

● Rapid Strep Test: At Kidswood Pediatrics, we offer rapid strep testing, which can provide results in as little as 10 to 30 minutes during your visit. This allows our pediatricians to begin treatment quickly if your child tests positive.

● Throat Culture: Sometimes, a throat culture may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, especially if your child’s symptoms strongly suggest strep throat but the rapid test is negative. Throat cultures take longer—typically 24 to 48 hours—because the sample needs to be sent to a laboratory so bacteria can grow and be identified.

Tips for Faster Results:

● Ask About Rapid Testing: If you’re concerned about timing, let us know. Our rapid strep test is usually the fastest option and can often be performed right during your appointment.

● Early Appointments: Scheduling your child’s strep test earlier in the day and earlier in the week can help ensure the fastest possible turnaround, as samples collected late in the day or on weekends may take longer to process.

● In-House Testing: At Kidswood Pediatrics, our in-house rapid strep testing means you often won’t have to wait for outside labs, reducing your wait time for results.

Keep in mind that while rapid tests are convenient, they are not perfect. If your child’s symptoms still suggest strep throat despite a negative rapid test, our pediatricians may recommend a follow-up throat culture to be certain.

If your child is tested for strep throat at Kidswood Pediatrics by Dr. Zully Ambroise, MD, the speed at which you receive results depends mainly on the type of strep test performed. We offer both the rapid strep test and the traditional throat culture. The rapid strep test delivers results within minutes during your visit, allowing Dr. Ambroise and our team to quickly determine if your child has strep throat and begin treatment if necessary.

In some cases, if the rapid test is negative but your child’s symptoms still suggest strep throat, Dr. Ambroise may recommend a throat culture for confirmation. This sample is sent to a laboratory, and results are usually available within one to two days. While our team is dedicated to providing prompt, high-quality care, the turnaround time for test results is based on the type of test rather than the provider or practice. If you have questions about how quickly you’ll receive your child’s results or want more details about our strep testing procedures, please ask our staff at Kidswood Pediatrics. We are always happy to explain our process and ensure you have the information you need for your child’s care. For more information, call us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Winter Park FL, Goldenrod FL, Lockhart FL, Maitland FL, Apopka FL, Casselberry FL and Oviedo, FL.