How much does a strep test cost?
How much does a strep test cost?
$25 – $50 average cost for test only
$130 – $200 average cost for consultation & test
Average cost for strep throat test
A strep test costs $25 to $50 on average without insurance, depending on the provider and location. Some providers require a consultation with a healthcare professional, for a total cost of $130 to $200 for the assessment and strep test. Most providers offer a rapid strep test with results in 10 to 15 minutes.
| Service | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Strep test only | $25 – $50 |
| Consultation / assessment & strep test | $130 – $200 |
Rapid strep test cost by provider
Prices for strep throat tests vary by pharmacy and provider. The table below compares the prices at popular pharmacy clinics. These prices are for the test only and do not include a doctor's assessment. Some locations require a medical consultation, which costs extra.
| Provider | Average cost without insurance* |
|---|---|
| CVS | $35 – $45 |
| Walgreens | $30 – $50 |
| Walmart | $59 |
| RiteAid | $30 |
*Cost for test only; does not include consultation with a healthcare professional
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat and tonsils. It is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes and is most common in children but can affect people of all ages.
In rare cases, strep throat may cause rheumatic fever, a more serious illness that can damage your heart. If you have symptoms of strep, see a healthcare provider for immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Strep throat symptoms
Strep throat can be quite uncomfortable. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
Sudden, severe sore throat
Pain when swallowing
Fever of 101° F or higher
Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks
Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Is strep throat contagious?
Yes, strep throat is highly contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets that enter the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. You can also get it by touching surfaces contaminated with these droplets and then touching your mouth or nose.
Strep throat is typically contagious for about 2 to 3 weeks without treatment. However, with proper antibiotic treatment, a person usually becomes non-contagious after 24 to 48 hours.
How long does strep throat last?
Without treatment, strep throat symptoms typically last 5 to 10 days. However, you may still be contagious for up to 3 weeks and spread the infection to others even if you are no longer symptomatic.
With antibiotic treatment, symptoms usually improve within 24 to 48 hours. It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better.
FAQs about strep throat tests
How long does a strep test take?
A rapid strep test typically takes only a moment to administer via a swab of the back of the throat, and results are usually available within 10 to 15 minutes. This quick turnaround time makes it a convenient option for diagnosing strep throat.
If the rapid test is negative but your doctor still suspects strep throat, they may perform a throat culture. This test takes 24 to 48 hours to get results but is more accurate.
How long after exposure to strep will you test positive?
The incubation period for strep throat is 2 to 5 days. This means you may not test positive immediately after exposure. It's best to wait until you develop symptoms before getting tested to increase the likelihood of an accurate result.
Can you test for strep too early?
Yes, it's possible to test for strep too early. If you get tested immediately after exposure or before developing symptoms, the test may not detect the bacteria, potentially leading to a false negative result. It's best to wait until you have symptoms before getting tested.
How accurate are rapid strep tests?
Rapid strep tests are generally quite accurate, but they're not perfect. They have a sensitivity of about 85% to 90%, which means they can miss 10% to 15% of strep throat cases. This is why doctors sometimes perform a throat culture if the rapid test is negative but strep is still suspected.
Where to get a strep test
You can get a strep test at these locations:
Urgent care centers
Pharmacy clinics like CVS MinuteClinic and Walgreens
Doctors' offices
Local Health Department clinics
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.