Definition – What is a scarlet fever test?
The scarlet fever rapid test detects the bacteria that cause scarlet fever. The rapid test is performed by taking a throat swab with a small stick. On this throat swab it can be read within a few minutes whether bacteria have been found or not.
Usually this scarlet fever test is done by the pediatrician, but there are also tests for home use. If the suspicion of scarlet fever is confirmed, a visit to the doctor is still necessary to initiate antibiotic therapy. In addition, the test can be negative despite the presence of scarlet fever, so even then a visit to the doctor is important.
Can I do the quick test myself?
In principle, anyone can do the test themselves. Small scarlet fever tests are available at the pharmacy. It is important that the test is performed correctly.
It is important that the test stick actually reaches the back of the throat. Usually this is not a problem when parents perform the test on their children, but as an adult it is difficult to take a throat swab yourself. Scarlet fever is a highly contagious infection that requires rapid antibiotic treatment. Therefore, if scarlet fever is suspected, regardless of whether the rapid test at home is positive or negative, a doctor should be consulted.
Is the test at the doctor safer?
The scarlet fever test at the doctor’s office is the same as the one that can be purchased for use at home. It therefore does not differ in test safety. However, if the test is negative despite high suspicion of scarlet fever, the physician has the option of sending the throat swab to the laboratory. There, they try to cultivate the bacteria that cause the scarlet fever, i.e. the streptococci, so that they can be detected. This procedure is a much more reliable way of detecting the pathogen, but it is also more complex, which is why doctors use the rapid test first.
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