Where to Buy At-Home Strep Throat Test Kits Conveniently

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is an infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It causes sore throat, fever, swollen tonsils, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Strep throat is very common, especially in children between 5-15 years old. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. Strep throat can usually be diagnosed by a rapid strep test performed by a healthcare provider.

Why Test for Strep at Home?

Getting tested for strep throat typically involves making a trip to the doctors office and waiting for lab results. This takes time away from school/work and costs money for the appointment and test. With an at-home strep test, you can quickly find out if your sore throat is strep right from the comfort of your home.

At-home strep tests allow you to get a diagnosis faster. If positive, you can start taking antibiotics right away instead of waiting days for a lab test. This helps prevent complications like rheumatic fever. If negative, you avoid unnecessary antibiotics.

Are At-Home Strep Tests Accurate?

Studies show at-home rapid strep tests are nearly as accurate as lab tests when instructions are followed properly. The main advantage of lab tests is they culture the bacteria to confirm, whereas rapid tests detect antigens. However, rapid tests are considered reliable for routine diagnosis.

One MIT study found an at-home strep test to be 98.5% accurate compared to lab tests. Results matched over 90% of the time. The test was easy to use and provided results in under an hour without needing to visit a clinic.

Pros of At-Home Testing

Convenient and quick results
Avoid the cost and time of a doctors visit
Start treatment right away
Avoid spreading illness by staying home

Cons of At-Home Testing

Potential for improper sample collection
Still need a prescription for antibiotics
No culture done to confirm diagnosis
May miss other health issues a doctor could diagnose

How to Properly Use At-Home Strep Tests

Using an at-home strep test properly is vital for accurate results. Follow the instructions carefully.

Most kits involve taking a throat swab sample and placing it in a test strip or tube solution. Results display in 5-10 minutes. Taking the sample correctly is key.

To take a throat swab sample:

Avoid eating, drinking, brushing teeth, or using mouthwash for 30 minutes before taking the sample. This removes contamination.
Open the test kit and remove the sterile swab.
Rub the swab firmly against the back of the throat and tonsils for about 10 seconds to collect sample. Take care not to touch the tongue or cheeks.
Place the swab into the test solution and activate the test.
Wait the directed amount of time and view results.

Follow the test instructions for reading the results. A positive result will display as a colored line or symbol. This means strep bacteria antigens were detected. Follow up with a doctor for antibiotic treatment.

Where to Buy At-Home Strep Tests

Many major retailers carry at-home strep test kits in their pharmacy sections or online:

Drugstores: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid
Grocery stores: Kroger, Albertsons, Publix, HEB
Online retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Target
Wholesale clubs: Costco, Sams Club, BJs Wholesale

Look for brand names like Quidel QuickVue, Abbott BinaxNOW, Acon Biotech Flowflex, BD Veritor, Beckman Coulter Icon, and Ellume. Prices range from $15-$50 for single tests or packs.

Insurance Coverage

Health insurance plans may cover the cost of at-home strep tests. Verify coverage with your provider. Often a prescription from a doctor is needed for reimbursement.

When to See a Doctor

While at-home strep tests are convenient, there are times it is still wise to see a doctor:

Children under 3 years old
Symptoms last longer than 1 week
Very painful sore throat
High fever over 101F
Swollen neck glands
Rash or headache
Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
Negative home test but symptoms persist

Doctors can take a lab culture to confirm strep and look for other conditions like viral infections, allergies, or abscess. Seek prompt medical care if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing.

The Bottom Line

When used properly, at-home rapid strep tests provide a quick and convenient option for detecting a strep throat infection. They can help guide treatment decisions without requiring a clinic visit. However, it is still wise to follow up with a doctor, especially for high-risk cases or persistent symptoms after a negative test result.

FAQs

Is an at-home strep test as accurate as a lab test?

Studies show at-home rapid strep tests are nearly as accurate as a lab culture when used properly. One study found a 98.5% accuracy rate compared to lab results. At-home tests look for strep antigens while lab tests culture the bacteria, but both are considered reliable for diagnosis.

Can I get antibiotics without seeing a doctor if my at-home test is positive?

No, you still need a prescription from a healthcare provider for antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin to treat strep throat even if an at-home test is positive. Follow up with a telehealth or in-office visit to get the necessary medication.

How long does it take to get results from an at-home strep test?

Most at-home strep test kits provide results within 5-10 minutes. You simply collect a throat swab sample and place it into the test solution. Results display on the test strip or device within minutes so you can have answers quickly.

Should I go to the doctor if my at-home strep test is negative?

In most cases you can trust a negative at-home strep test result, but see a doctor if symptoms persist or get worse after a couple days. Doctors can investigate other potential causes and take a lab culture test to be thorough. Seek prompt care for severe symptoms.

When would an at-home strep test not be recommended?

At-home strep tests are not recommended for children under 3 years old, people with high fever or swollen glands, or symptoms lasting over a week. See a doctor right away if you have breathing difficulties or dehydration. At-home tests can miss important diagnoses a doctor’s exam can reveal.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.