Rapid Strep Testing & Strep Throat Treatment in Canton & Ann Arbor, MI
Sore throat with fever, white patches, or swollen glands? Walk in to MI Express Urgent Care in Canton or Ann Arbor for a rapid strep test — results in minutes, treatment the same day. No appointment needed.
Our Convenient Locations
Canton Location
MI Express Urgent Care in Canton
44237 Michigan Ave, Canton, MI 48188
Monday - Friday : 9 AM - 7 PM
Saturday - Sunday : 10 AM - 6 PM
Ann Arbor Location
MI Express Urgent Care in Ann Arbor
80 S Zeeb Rd Unit 101 C, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Monday - Friday : 9 AM - 7 PM
Saturday - Sunday : 10 AM - 6 PM
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis) is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). It is a common cause of sore throat — particularly in school-aged children and teenagers, though adults are frequently affected as well. Strep throat spreads easily through respiratory droplets and is especially prevalent in close-contact settings such as schools, daycares, offices, and households.
Unlike a viral sore throat, strep throat is a bacterial infection that typically requires antibiotic treatment. Left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications including rheumatic fever, kidney problems, and the spread of infection to others.
NOTE: Not every sore throat is strep — many are viral and do not respond to antibiotics. A quick, accurate rapid strep test is the only way to know for sure, which is why testing before treatment matters.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat symptoms often come on suddenly. If several of the following appear together — especially with a fever and without a cough — it is worth getting tested:
- Severe sore throat, often rated as very painful
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever, typically 101°F or higher
- White or yellow patches or streaks on the tonsils or back of the throat
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Headache, stomachache, or nausea — particularly in children
- Absence of a significant cough (cough is more typical of a viral sore throat)
How Our Rapid Strep Test Works
The rapid strep test (rapid antigen detection test) is a quick, non-invasive test performed right in our clinic — with results while you wait:
- A provider gently swabs the back of your throat and tonsils — the process takes only a few seconds.
- The swab is tested on-site using a rapid antigen test.
- Results are ready in approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
- A positive result confirms strep throat, and antibiotic treatment can begin immediately.
- If the rapid test is negative but strep is still suspected, a throat culture may be sent to a laboratory for more detailed analysis.
Strep Throat Treatment at MI Express Urgent & Primary Care
If your rapid strep test is positive, our providers will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic. Common first-line treatments include:
- Amoxicillin — the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for strep in non-allergic patients
- Penicillin — an effective alternative for eligible patients
- Azithromycin or clindamycin — for patients with a penicillin allergy
Most patients begin to feel noticeably better within 24 to 48 hours of starting antibiotics. It is essential to complete the full course as prescribed — even if symptoms improve quickly — to fully eliminate the bacteria and prevent recurrence or complications.
Urgent Care vs. Primary Care for Strep Throat
Both have their place. Urgent care is ideal for fast, same-day testing and treatment; primary care is best for ongoing or recurrent management.
Go to Urgent Care If…
- Sudden onset of severe sore throat with fever
- Visible white patches on tonsils or throat
- You need a same-day strep test and treatment
- Strep exposure and developing symptoms on a weekend
- A child with suspected strep throat requiring rapid testing
- No primary care appointment available promptly
Go to Primary Care If…
- Recurrent strep throat requiring specialist referral
- Discussion of tonsillectomy for repeated infections
- Post-strep follow-up and ongoing monitoring
- Management of strep in patients with underlying conditions
- A long-term prevention strategy for household members
Strep Throat Prevention Tips
Strep spreads easily in close-contact settings, but a few simple habits reduce the risk of catching it or passing it on:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after being in public spaces
- Avoid sharing utensils, cups, water bottles, or food with anyone who has a sore throat or fever
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Replace your toothbrush after being diagnosed with strep to avoid reinfection
- Stay home from school or work until you have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are fever-free
- Keep surfaces clean in shared spaces, particularly during outbreaks
What Our Patients Say About Us
Walk In for Same-Day Strep Testing at MI Express Urgent Care
Don't suffer through a sore throat wondering if it's strep. Walk into MI Express Urgent Care in Canton or Ann Arbor — no appointment needed. We're open 7 days a week with rapid results in minutes. Contact us with any questions.
We Accept Most Health Insurances
Same-Day Strep Testing in Canton & Ann Arbor
Canton Location
MI Express Urgent Care & Primary Care
44237 Michigan Ave, Canton, MI 48188
Urgent Care: 734-388-4999
Primary Care: 734-339-2661
Mon–Fri: 9AM–7PM | Sat–Sun: 10AM–6PM
Ann Arbor Location
MI Express Urgent Care & Primary Care
80 S Zeeb Rd Unit 101, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Urgent Care: 734-999-3850
Primary Care: 734-212-8443
Mon–Fri: 9AM–7PM | Sat–Sun: 10AM–6PM
More Conditions We Treat at Urgent Care
Open 7 Days a Week! Walk In or Schedule an Appointment!
MI Express Urgent Care in Canton and Ann Arbor, MI, is committed to your health 7 days a week.
Whether you walk in or schedule a visit, we’re here every day to provide the care you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The rapid strep test is approximately 95 to 99 percent specific for strep throat, meaning a positive result is highly reliable. Sensitivity is approximately 70 to 90 percent, which is why a negative rapid test may be followed by a throat culture in patients with strong symptoms.
Yes. While strep is most common in children aged 5 to 15, adults get strep throat too — especially those who live with school-aged children or work in schools, daycares, or healthcare settings. Any age group can be tested and treated at MI Express Urgent & Primary Care.
Strep throat is contagious from before symptoms begin until you have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are fever-free. Without antibiotics, you may remain contagious for 2 to 3 weeks.
Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications including rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart), rheumatic heart disease, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney condition). It is important to treat a positive strep test with antibiotics.
Strep throat may resolve on its own in some cases, but antibiotic treatment is strongly recommended to speed recovery, reduce contagiousness, and prevent complications. Viral sore throats do not respond to antibiotics, which is why accurate testing is important before prescribing.
Yes. If your rapid strep test is negative but your symptoms are strongly suggestive of strep, we can collect a throat swab for a laboratory culture. Culture results typically return within 24 to 48 hours and provide a more comprehensive analysis than the rapid test.
