Strep Test
A strep test is a diagnostic test used to determine if a person has a streptococcal infection, specifically Group A Streptococcus (GAS), which is the bacteria responsible for strep throat.
You may need a strep test if you exhibit symptoms of strep throat, such as a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches on your tonsils. The test helps to confirm if strep bacteria are causing the infection, ensuring appropriate treatment.
A strep test can show whether Group A Streptococcus bacteria are present in your throat. A positive result indicates a strep infection, while a negative result suggests that the sore throat may be caused by a virus or another type of bacteria.
The strep test is generally not painful. It involves swabbing the back of your throat and tonsils with a cotton swab, which might cause slight discomfort or a gagging sensation.
TRapid strep tests can provide results in about 10-20 minutes. If a throat culture is done, it usually takes 24 to 48 hours to get the results.
Urine Culture
A urine culture is a laboratory test used to detect and identify bacteria or fungi in the urine that may be causing a urinary tract infection (UTI).
You may need a urine culture if you exhibit symptoms of a UTI, such as frequent urination, burning sensation while urinating, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain. The test helps identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment.
A urine culture can show the presence and type of bacteria or fungi causing the infection in your urinary tract. It helps determine the best antibiotic to use for treatment.
The urine culture test itself is not painful. It involves providing a urine sample, usually by urinating into a sterile container.
Results from a urine culture are typically available within 24 to 48 hours. In some cases, it may take up to 72 hours to identify the specific bacteria and their sensitivity to antibiotics.
Urine Test
A urine test, also known as urinalysis, is a common test used to analyse the content of urine. It checks for various substances and cells in the urine to help diagnose a range of conditions, including infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
You may need a urine test if you have symptoms of a UTI, kidney disease, diabetes, or other metabolic conditions. It is also commonly used as part of routine check-ups to monitor overall health.
A urine test can show a variety of health indicators, including the presence of proteins, glucose, ketones, red and white blood cells, bacteria, and other substances. Abnormal results may indicate infections, kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, or other conditions.
The urine test is not painful. It involves providing a urine sample by urinating into a sterile container.
Results from a basic urinalysis are usually available within a few hours. If the test includes additional specific analyses or cultures, it may take up to 24 to 48 hours to receive the full results.
Stool Culture
A stool culture is a laboratory test used to detect and identify bacteria, viruses, or parasites in the feces that may be causing gastrointestinal symptoms and infections.
You may need a stool culture if you exhibit symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection, such as persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. The test helps identify the specific pathogen causing the infection, allowing for appropriate treatment.
A stool culture can show the presence and type of bacteria, viruses, or parasites in the gastrointestinal tract. It helps determine the exact cause of the infection and the most effective treatment options.
The stool culture test itself is not painful. It involves collecting a stool sample, which you can do at home or in a healthcare setting using a sterile container.
Results from a stool culture are typically available within 24 to 72 hours. Some pathogens may take longer to identify, so it might take several days to receive the final results.