Strep A Rapid Test
Check for Strep A Throat Infection at Home
Sore throat, fever, or painful swallowing can be signs of Strep A throat infection, a common and highly contagious bacterial illness.
The Smith BioMed Strep A Rapid Test is a simple throat-swab test that helps detect Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) and provides results in just 5 minutes.
Available at Chemist Warehouse and your local chemist.
Why Smith Biomed?
Affordable
Skip the cost of a doctor’s visit, we offer the most affordable home strep A test on the market.
Quick and Accurate
No need to wait in line at the doctor or testing lab, our tests are easy to use and provide accurate results in minutes.
Accessible
Find us at Chemist Warehouse or your local chemist. Testing for strep A has never been easier.
What's Included in the Test:
Test dipstick
Sterile throat swab
Extraction tube
Extraction reagent (2 solutions)
Workstation
Instruction
THE TEST
Testing for Strep A Throat Infection
Testing for Strep A Throat Infection
With the Strep A Rapid Test, you can get quick, reliable results in just 5 minutes, all from the comfort of your own home. No need to book a doctor’s appointment, you’ll know right away whether Strep A antigens are detected in your throat swab sample.
Is Strep A Contagious?
Strep A is highly contagious and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact, especially among children and within households. It is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a bacterium that affects the throat and tonsils.
Detect the infection early to stop the spread: Because Strep A disease can escalate quickly, getting a clear result is vital.
While Strep A is usually easy to treat, untreated Strep A can lead to complications, including:
- Rheumatic fever
- Kidney inflammation
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Spread of infection to other areas
Early detection allows for timely treatment and helps reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Is Strep A More Contagious in Children?
While the bacteria is the same, Strep A spreads quickly among children due to high-contact environments like schools and having lower natural immunity.
Common Symptoms of Strep A Throat include:
- Sudden sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red or inflamed throat
- Swollen glands in the neck
- White patches or pus on the tonsils
Strep A is contagious, so early testing can help reduce the spread.
HOW IT WORKS
Learn How to Take the Test at Home
PROCEDURE – HOW TO DO THE TEST
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Open the foil pouch and remove the test dipstick.
- Hold the Extraction Reagent 1 bottle vertically and add 4 full drops (approximately
- 240 μL) of Extraction Reagent 1 to an extraction tube. Extraction Reagent 1 is red in colour.
- Hold the Extraction Reagent 2 bottle vertically and add 4 full drops (approximately 160 μL) to the tube. Extraction Reagent 2 is colourless.
- Mix the solution by gently swirling the extraction tube. The addition of Extraction Reagent 2 to Extraction Reagent 1 changes the colour of the solution from red to yellow
- Using the sterile swab, gently swab the back of the throat and tonsils. Avoid touching the tongue, cheeks, or teeth.
- Place the swab into the extraction tube and rotate vigorously 15 times. Leave for 1 minute.
- Press the swab against the side of the tube and squeeze the tube while removing the swab. Discard the swab.
- Place the test dipstick into the extraction tube with arrows pointing down.
Start the timer. - Read the result at 5 minutes. Do not interpret results after 10 minutes.
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
- Positive: Two coloured lines appear, one in the control region (C) and one in the test region (T).
This indicates the Strep A antigen was detected. - Negative: One coloured line appears in the control region (C) only.
This indicates Strep A was not detected or below detectable levels. - Invalid: No control line (C) appears.
The test should be repeated with a new kit.
Test accuracy
Clinically evaluated against laboratory culture testing:
- Sensitivity: 95.1%
- Specificity: 97.8%
- Overall Accuracy: 97.1%
Designed for reliable use when symptoms of strep throat are present.
What do I have to do if the result is positive?
If your test result is positive, make an urgent appointment with your GP.
They can confirm the diagnosis and determine whether antibiotic treatment is required.
Find a Stockist
Our tests are stocked in over 1,000 stores nationwide. Pop into your local Chemist Warehouse or pharmacy to find the Smith Biomed Strep A Rapid Test.
Learn More About Strep A Throat Infection
Frequently Asked Questions
Strep A (Group A Streptococcus) is a bacterium that commonly causes strep throat. It can also cause skin and other infections if untreated.
Early testing helps:
- Confirm whether a sore throat is bacterial
- Guide appropriate treatment
- Limit the spread to others
While Strep A is usually easy to treat, untreated Strep A can lead to complications, including:
- Rheumatic fever
- Kidney inflammation
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Spread of infection to other areas
Early detection allows for timely treatment and helps reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
The test detects Strep A antigens using a throat swab sample.
Results are ready in 5 minutes.
How do I read the results?
- Positive: Two lines (C + T
- Negative: One line (C only)
- Invalid: No control line
Any visible test line (T), even faint, should be considered positive.
If your test result is positive, make an urgent appointment with your GP for antibiotic treatment and follow-up.
Yes. Strep A spreads easily through close contact, coughing, sneezing, or shared surfaces.
If symptoms continue or worsen, see your GP. A throat culture or further assessment may be required.
Enquire About a Product
Send us a message to find out more about any of our innovative products.