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Strep throat included in COVID-19 testing

Hand on throat, glass of water nearby

The COVID-19 testing process at Mayo Clinic locations across the Midwest will now include group A streptococcus — strep throat — assessment and testing when indicated for all patients 3 to 75. Based on the number of strep throat cases seen, combining assessment and testing with COVID-19 is expected to improve the patient experience and expedite care.

Get screened

If you are a Mayo patient, but not a Mayo Clinic staff member, you should call the COVID-19 Help Line at 507-293-9525 or answer questions about your symptoms using the Check Symptoms assessment tool through Patient Online Services on the web or through the Mayo Clinic app. This tool, which offers the same screening questions as the COVID-19 Help Line, is available 24/7 to all Mayo Clinic patients with home addresses in Iowa, Minnesota or Wisconsin.

Get tested

Once screened, you will receive further instructions for scheduling your tests at the appropriate local testing site. For patients in Rochester and Southeast Minnesota using the Check Symptoms assessment tool, scheduling options will include being able to conveniently schedule an appointment using Patient Online Services if testing criteria are met.

At the testing site, Mayo Clinic staff will collect specimens using appropriate precautions. If you require more than one test, staff may need to collect more than one specimen.

Get results

Specimens will be sent to a Mayo Clinic lab for analysis, with results expected in 24 to 72 hours. If you are positive for any of the illnesses, you will be contacted and advised of next steps.

Your results will all be available in Patient Online Services or by calling the Test Result Phone Line at 877-838-2050. Have your Mayo Clinic number available when you call.

Influenza and respiratory syncytial testing

Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus was previously included in the combined testing process. However, due to the incredibly low rates of influenza across the nation and Mayo Clinic Health System, testing was removed in late January. These tests are still available through your primary care provider when symptoms indicate it is necessary.

Get more trusted information about COVID-19, safe care, visitor guidelines and vaccine updates.

For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
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