As we navigate through cold and flu season, it’s crucial to accurately diagnose and manage respiratory illnesses. Urgent care facilities are pivotal in providing timely, efficient testing for common infections such as COVID-19, strep throat, pneumonia and influenza.
Testing for COVID-19, Strep Throat, Pneumonia and Influenza at Urgent Care: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of the flu, strep throat or pneumonia, being informed about the different types of tests—such as rapid tests, PCR tests or imaging—will help you feel more prepared. Understanding the testing process (and knowing what to expect) can ensure you receive timely, effective care during your urgent care visit. This guide provides an overview of common tests performed at urgent care centers and how quickly you can expect results, helping you get the right diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Testing
Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and poses significant public health challenges. Accurate testing is crucial for identifying cases, preventing spread of the virus – and for ensuring appropriate treatment. There are two primary types of COVID-19 tests: PCR tests and rapid antigen tests. Considered the gold standard, PCR tests detect the virus’s genetic material and offer high accuracy, though results may take a few days to obtain.
In contrast, rapid antigen tests detect viral proteins and provide results within 15–30 minutes. This makes them useful for quick screening, though they are less sensitive than PCR tests. Testing typically involves providing a nasal swab sample, which is analyzed either in a lab or with rapid test devices. Rapid test results are available the same day, while PCR results usually take a few days.
Strep Throat Testing
Caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, strep throat can lead to severe throat pain and serious complications if left untreated, making rapid diagnosis crucial for effective antibiotic treatment. There are two main types of tests used to diagnose strep throat: the rapid strep test and the throat culture.
The rapid strep test detects the presence of strep bacteria in a throat swab sample, with results available in 10–15 minutes. If the rapid test is negative but strep is still suspected, a throat culture may be performed. To confirm a diagnosis of strep, the rapid stress test involves growing bacteria from the throat swab in a lab over several days. During testing, a healthcare provider will collect a sample from your throat using a swab. For the rapid test, results are given immediately, while a throat culture will take a few days to yield results.
Pneumonia Testing
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, and requires an accurate diagnosis to ensure proper treatment and manage potential complications. Several tests can help diagnose pneumonia, including chest X-rays, sputum tests and blood tests. A chest X-ray allows doctors to visualize the lungs and identify any signs of pneumonia, such as fluid buildup or inflammation.
When you’re experiencing a productive cough, a sputum sample may be collected to determine the cause of the infection. Blood tests are also commonly used to assess the severity of the infection, and to differentiate between bacterial or viral causes. During the diagnostic process you may undergo a chest X-ray, provide a sputum sample, or have blood drawn. Results from these tests are usually available within a few hours to a day, depending on the facility and the type of test performed.
Influenza Testing
Commonly known as the flu, influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, and accurate testing is essential to differentiate it from other illnesses and ensure timely treatment (with antiviral medications when necessary). Two primary types of tests are used in diagnosing the flu: Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs) and PCR tests. RIDTs detect influenza virus antigens from a nasal or throat swab, delivering results in 15–30 minutes. For more precise results offering greater sensitivity, PCR tests can identify the virus’s genetic material (but take longer to return results). During testing, a healthcare provider will collect a sample using a nasal or throat swab. Rapid tests provide results quickly, while PCR tests may take a few days to process.
General Testing Process at Urgent Care
Testing at urgent care involves a quick consultation followed by sample collection, such as a swab, blood draw, or imaging test. Rapid test results are usually available within minutes, while more detailed tests may take longer.
Evaluation – After you arrive you’ll undergo an initial evaluation where a healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history to determine the tests required.
Sample collection – Depending on the suspected health condition, samples will be taken using swabs, blood draws or sputum collection.
Testing and results – Test results will be obtained on-site or sent to a lab. Rapid tests provide immediate results, and other tests may take longer.
Treatment and follow-up – Based on test results, a treatment plan will be provided to the patient. This may include lifestyle recommendations, medications and/or further diagnostic testing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled if needed.
Visit Our Top-Rated Urgent Care in Georgia Today
Urgent care centers are equipped to provide rapid and accurate testing for COVID-19, strep throat, pneumonia and influenza. By understanding the testing process and what to expect, you can more easily support your own health (and healthcare) and receive timely treatment. When you experience symptoms of these infections, seeking care at an urgent care facility can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need to recover quickly and safely. Contact us at (704) 240-8133 or schedule an appointment today.
