In a post-pandemic world, there is an at-home test for just about everything. This added convenience is not only time and money-saving, but it can offer some peace of mind when seeking what to do for treatment, especially if it's for the kiddos. Having a sick child at home is never fun for either of you, but with an at-home strep test, you can find out in minutes if your little one needs some antibiotics. And best of all, you can get them at most local pharmacies. CVS, Walgreens, and even your nearby grocery store should all have at-home strep tests in stock. You can also order them online at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. And FYI, they are the same strep test kits the doctors use. Finally, a way to save a trip to the doctor, especially if it turns out just to be a sniffle.

Strep Throat is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Strep is also highly contagious, so knowing what you’re dealing with is key so you can get the correct diagnosis fast. And, if it is strep, it's best to stay home to reduce the spread until antibiotics start working. Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by a bacteria known as group A Streptococcus. Most sore throats are actually caused by viral agents, like the flu or the common cold. In fact, according to the CDC, about 3 out of 10 children with a sore throat actually tested positive for strep, meaning the cause was probably viral, not bacterial, and antibiotics won't help. Strep symptoms are very similar to viral infections, so if you’re worried your child’s sore throat could be strep, an at-home rapid strep test can determine if group A is present.

But getting a strep throat test doesn't have to mean long doctor visits and co-pays. Just pick up an at-home strep test kits from any pharmacy near you and get the results from the privacy of your own couch. They are easy to use with clear-cut instructions. Just swab a sample in the back of infected throat and mix together "reagents" that are provided in a tube which detect the presence of strep A antigens. Get results in under 10 minutes.

Pro tip: We suggest buying a few and keeping them on hand, especially if you have more than one child. Getting treatment at the onset of signs can help shorten the duration of symptoms from strep, so you and/or your kids can get back to feeling good again.

Benefits of Using An At-Home Strep Throat Test 

A rapid antigen test is the quickest way to know if you have strep. It can identify a case in under ten minutes. At-home strep throat tests are convenient, fast, and save a lot of time and hassle with trips to the doctor if they are not necessary. Plus, you keep the germs at home; no need to risk exposing any to others. But one key benefit of having at-home strep tests on hand is that you instantly find out if you need antibiotics. Taking antibiotics when not needed can cause resistance making them eventually ineffective. 

If the test is negative, chances are the sore throat is caused by the common cold, flu, or just seasonal allergies. If the test is positive, you can call your doctor with the results, and they will typically prescribe a 10-day supply of antibiotics. Patients should start to feel improvement after 24 hours of their first dose. If negative, then antibiotics are not needed, just get plenty of rest and stay hydrated! Of course, if symptoms worsen or don’t improve, it’s always best to consult your doctor. If left untreated, a strep infection can lead to more severe conditions, including sinus infections, tonsil and ear infections, and inflammatory diseases like scarlet fever and rheumatic fever.

Pending FDA clearance, Checkable's at-home strep test will come with everything needed to perform an at-home diagnosis to see if strep is positive or negative. Our platform includes the test kit and a mobile application that trains home users on how to take a sample and interpret the results. The kit consists of a strep test, swab, and tongue depressor. You’ll be able to pick up a test at your neighborhood pharmacy or get it shipped to your door. The test is as easy as 1,2,3. Within about 10 minutes, you’ll get results and connect with a telemedicine healthcare provider for next steps and prescriptions. By providing at-home tests, Checkable hopes to reduce the burden on the healthcare system and minimize exposure to strep. 

Instead of arranging a doctor's appointment and taking time off work for a strep test, then waiting hours or even days to get results, you'll be able to pick up our test at a local CVS, Walgreens, or Target, use it in the comfort of your own home and get results in 10 minutes. No need to go to the doctor, which will make the kids happy.