A rapid antigen test for Group A Streptococcus — the bacterium behind strep throat. 20 test devices per box. Results typically read within minutes from a throat swab. Read this before using the test A rapid test is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Whatever the result, it does not replace assessment by a doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist. A negative result does not rule out strep. Rapid antigen tests miss a meaningful proportion of true infections. Clinical guidelines recommend that a negative rapid test in a child or adolescent be followed by a throat culture, because missed strep in that age group carries the greater risk. A positive result means you need to see a prescriber. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, which require a prescription. Testing positive and doing nothing is the worst outcome here. Why untreated strep matters Most sore throats are viral and resolve on their own. Strep is different: untreated Group A strep infection can lead to complications including rheumatic fever, which can cause permanent heart valve damage, and kidney inflammation. These are uncommon but serious, and they're the reason strep gets treated with antibiotics while viral sore throats don't. Seek medical care straight away if there is Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or drooling Inability to open the mouth fully, or a muffled voice Severe one-sided throat pain or neck swelling High fever that isn't coming down, or a rash Signs of dehydration, or a child who is unusually drowsy or unwell These can indicate complications that need urgent assessment regardless of any test result. Using it correctly Follow the package insert exactly. Swab technique matters more than anything else with this test — an inadequate swab of the tonsils and posterior pharynx is the most common cause of a false negative. Read the result within the specified time window; results read too early or too late are unreliable. Check the expiry date and let devices reach room temperature before use. Intended for The 20-test box format is aimed at clinics, workplaces, schools and other settings performing testing regularly. If you just want to check one sore throat at home, talk to us first — under Ontario's minor ailments program, a pharmacist can assess a sore throat and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment directly. That's often faster and more useful than testing on your own. Store as directed on the packaging. Keep out of reach of children. Dispose of used devices and swabs safely.
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