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Strep A Testing

Viruses cause most sore throats. However, strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep).

How do you get strep throat?

Group A strep bacteria are very contagious. Generally, people spread the bacteria to others through respiratory droplets and direct contact.

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In general, strep throat is a mild infection, but it can be very painful. The most common symptoms of strep throat include:

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  • Sore throat that can start very quickly

  • Pain when swallowing

  • Fever

  • Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus

  • Petechiae — pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye — on the soft or hard palate (tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth)

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck

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Other symptoms may include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — especially in children. Someone with strep throat may also have a rash; it is known as scarlet fever.

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Strep throat is more common in children than adults. It is most common in children 5 through 15 years old. It is very rare in children younger than 3 years old.

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Adults who are at increased risk for strep throat include:

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  • Parents of school-aged children

  • Adults who are often in contact with children

A simple test gives fast results

At My Specialist GP, you have two options for Strep A Testing

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With our Health Care Assistant

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A rapid strep test with our experienced Health Care Assistant involves swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep bacteria are causing the illness.

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This test costs £32 and takes 10 minutes to complete.

Results are back within 10 minutes after the test.

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If you receive a positive result and require a prescription, we can book you a

20-minute appointment with the Doctor - £135 

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You can book with our Health Care Assistant here.

With one of our experienced GPs

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A doctor will determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical exam. If they think you might have strep throat, they will swab your throat to test for strep throat.

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 The test quickly shows if group A strep bacteria are causing the illness and if the test is positive, the doctor can prescribe antibiotics at the same appointment.

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The doctor appointment charge for a Standard 30-minute GP Consultation is £160 and the cost of the swab is £12. 

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You can book with one of our GPs here, please mention on the notes you will require a Strep A Test at the appointment. 

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