Suspect strep throat? Re-check negative rapid test results with lab culture

Clinical guidelines for diagnosing strep throat in teens and adults differ, as do physician practices. A recent study supports guidelines that mandate confirming negative rapid test results with a lab culture when a patient has symptoms that suggest a bacterial infection. The rapid test detects certain antigens, one of the body's efforts to fight off strep bacteria. Attempting to grow bacteria from a throat specimen double checks for the presence or absence of Group A Streptococcus bacteria, as ...