Aim of the Test and Treat Service
The aim of the test and treat service is:
- To support self-management of a sore throat
- Reduce the need to visit a GP
- Identify if it is a viral or bacterial infection
- Offer advice on antibiotic treatment if bacterial infection is confirmed
- Raise awareness of importance of appropriate use of antibiotics
To confirm if the cause of a sore throat is viral or bacterial, a throat swab needs to be collected and tested using a reliable test kit.
It is important to ensure you are familiar with the sample requirements for the test kit being used.