How do you use a strep dipstick?
How do you use a strep dipstick?
The test utilizes antibodies specific for whole cell Lancefield Group A Streptococcus to selectively detect Strep A antigen in a throat swab specimen. 1. Add 4 full drops of Reagent 1 and 4 full drops of Reagent 2 into an extraction test tube. Tap the bottom of the tube gently to mix the liquid.
What does a blue line mean on a strep test?
Positive – A blue Test Line and a red Control Line is a positive result. A positive result means that the assay detected Group A Streptococcus antigen in the specimen. Note – The blue line can be any shade of blue and can be lighter or darker than the line in the picture.
Why is it important to not touch the tongue or cheeks when performing a throat swab for culture?
Rationale: Touching the lips, teeth, tongue, cheeks, or uvula with the swab may cause contamination with organisms from the oral cavity. Gently but quickly swab the tonsillar area from side to side, contacting any inflamed or purulent sites.
What does C and T mean on strep?
Positive Result: The appearance of any pink-to-red line next to the letter “T” in the Result Window, along with a blue Control Line next to the letter “C”, means that the test is positive for Group A Streptococcus. *Look closely! This is a positive result.
How do you read a strep test?
What does the test result mean?
- A positive rapid strep test means you have strep throat.
- A negative rapid test indicates that you probably do not have strep throat.
- A throat culture that is positive for group A strep means you have strep throat.
When do strep test strips expire?
The test dipsticks (in their unopened canister) and the reagents are stable through the expiration date printed on the box. Once the canister is opened, the remaining test dipsticks are stable for 12 months. Do not use beyond the expiration date.
How do you do a QuickVue strep test?
Hold the bottle vertically and place one free falling drop of liquid control on a sterile rayon-tipped Swab provided in the kit. Insert the Swab into the QuickVue In-Line Strep A Test Cassette Swab Chamber. Continue with the assay as instructed in the TEST PROCEDURE Section.
How do I know if my strep test is positive?
A doctor cannot tell if someone has strep throat just by looking at his or her throat. A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep is causing the illness. If the test is positive, doctors can prescribe antibiotics.
How do you not gag during throat swab?
You can reduce or eliminate your gag reflex by gradually getting your soft palate accustomed to being touched. One technique is to use a toothbrush on your tongue: Using a soft toothbrush to brush your tongue until you reach the area that makes you feel like you might gag. If you gag, you have brushed too far.
How long does it take for a strep test to come back?
Getting the Results Test results are usually available in about 15 minutes. If the rapid strep test indicates a strep infection, the doctor usually will prescribe antibiotics.
How do I not gag during strep test?
How to stop your gag reflex during common circumstances
- The pop bottle method. Put the pill on your tongue. Close your lips tightly around the opening of a bottle of water. Close your eyes.
- The lean forward method. Put the pill on your tongue. Sip, but do not swallow, some water. Tilt your head forward, chin toward chest.
What do you need for a Strep A test?
A throat swab to look for a group A strep infection A blood test to look for antibodies that would show if the patient recently had a group A strep infection A test of how well the heart is working (electrocardiogram or EKG) A test that creates a movie of the heart muscle working (echocardiography or echo)
Should I go to school with strep?
The Strep germ is very contagious (passes easily from one person to another). Your child should not go to school or be around other children until he is fever free for 24 hours and on antibiotics for 24 hours. This helps stop the Strep germ from spreading to other children.
How much does a strep test cost?
On MDsave, the cost of a Rapid Strep Test ranges from $20 to $57.
How do you perform a strep test?
– Immediately place the Throat Swab into the Tube. Mix solution thoroughly by swirling the swab for 5 times (or vortex briefly). – Wait 1 minute – Remove the Tube from the Tube Well. Express all liquid from the Swab head by rolling the Swaab against the inside of the Tube and squeezing firmly as it is – Put a clean Tip on the Tube.
