Tested on site
Strep throat, tested not guessed
Most sore throats are viral, and antibiotics do nothing for those. We test so that the answer is a result rather than an opinion, and prescribe only if the test says to.
The difficulty with a sore throat is that strep and a bad virus feel much the same from the inside. Fever, swollen glands and difficulty swallowing appear in both.
That is why testing matters. Without it, treatment is a coin toss that usually lands on antibiotics somebody did not need.
How it goes
A quick assessment
Symptoms, how long, whether there is a cough, whether anyone at home has had it.
A throat swab
A few seconds, unpleasant for about that long, and no needles.
The result, while you wait
A rapid test rather than one sent to a lab.
Treatment based on the result
If it is strep, the pharmacist can prescribe. If it is not, you get advice on managing a viral sore throat and what to watch for.
Common questions
Can I get a strep test at a pharmacy in Calgary?
Yes. We do rapid strep testing on site and give you the result while you wait, and the pharmacist can prescribe treatment if the test is positive.
How long does the test take?
The swab takes seconds and the result comes back in a few minutes. You will not be sent away and called later.
Do I need an appointment?
No, but phoning ahead means the pharmacist can set time aside rather than fitting you between prescriptions.
What if the test is negative but I still feel awful?
That is common, and it usually means a virus. The pharmacist will go through managing the symptoms and tell you which changes mean you should be reassessed.
Can children be tested?
Strep is most common in school-age children. Bring them in and the pharmacist will tell you whether testing is appropriate for their age and symptoms.