Perform Rapid Strep Test

Clinical and Testing Procedures

Learn how to prepare for and administer a rapid strep test.

The rapid strep test is a diagnostic rapid antigen test used to detect whether Group A Streptococcus is present in the throat of a patient, aiding in the diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat. Several types of rapid strep tests are available, each with their own types of equipment and testing procedure. By design, each one of them is engineered to detect the presence of Group A Streptococcus-specific antigens on a throat swab taken from the back of the patient’s throat. The test is quick and within minutes can determine if a patient has Group A Streptococcus. A positive result can help the physician determine the best course of treatment, including prescribing antibiotics or ordering further testing.

You'll Learn

Relevant medical terminology
Correct pre-procedure techniques
To identify the key anatomical structures comprising the pharynx and tonsillar region
How to identify the signs of streptococcus
Methods for collecting and processing a throat swab
Methods for interpreting test results
Correct documentation and post-procedure requirements
And much more (see Content Details for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

Step 1.2 - Medical assistant preparation

Step 1.3 - Patient preparation

Step 2 - Perform throat swab

Step 3 - Collect rapid strep test results

Step 3.1 - Process test tube

Step 3.1.1 - Prepare test tubes for extraction

Step 3.1.2 - Process the test strip

Step 3.1.3 - Read the test results

Step 3.2 - Process cassette

Step 3.2.1 - Prepare the cassette

Step 3.2.2 - Process specimen

Step 3.2.3 - Read the results

Step 4 - Complete the procedure

Describe pre-procedure considerations for a rapid strep test.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for a rapid strep test.
Identify signs of streptococcus.
Describe and demonstrate how to collect a throat swab specimen.
Describe and demonstrate how to handle and process a throat swab specimen for a rapid strep test.
Identify and understand how to interpret test results.
Describe and demonstrate the correct post-procedure considerations.
Define and demonstrate correct recording and reporting procedures.
Define and use related medical terminology.
Describe and demonstrate quality control protocols.
Understand Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
Understand correct post-procedure considerations.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long