Home strep tests save time and money

A new study, performed at MIT Medical, shows that most parents were able to successfully perform the Streptococcus (“strep throat”) test on their children. [Image from MIT]

Parents could save time and money by testing for strep throat at home as opposed to going to the doctor, according to a new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center researchers also collaborated on the study.

Streptococcus, also known as strep throat, causes a sore, red throat that is sometimes accompanied by swollen tonsils, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It is contagious and can cause serious complications if left untreated.

In the MIT study, parents were able to test their children for strep throat successfully. The researchers suggest that if more parents tested for it at home, it would eliminate doctor’s visits and gives doctors the chance to treat other illnesses while allowing patients to get treatment more quickly.

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