Treatment

A test now possible in pharmacy to know the origin of an angina

Publié le 21 octobre 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Is your angina viral or bacterial? Rapid diagnostic testing for angina (Trod angina) can help determine angina. Previously performed by a doctor, this test can now be done in a pharmacy.

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Image 1Crédits: Gorodenkoff - stock.adobe.com

There are 2 types of sore throat: sore throat caused by a virus and sore throat caused by bacteria. Viral angina is most common and does not require antibiotics. Bacterial angina, which can be caused by bacteria such as group A streptococcus, requires antibiotic treatment.

The procedure for carrying out the test has been simplified and the pharmacist can now carry it out directly in a pharmacy on a patient, without a prescription:

  • in children from 10 years of age;
  • in adults when the person’s symptoms warrant it.

The Trod angina test consists of a painless swab sample taken from the tonsils in a few minutes:

  • if the test is positive: Tonsillopharyngitis is caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, and treatment with antibiotics is required. The pharmacist will refer you to your doctor for a prescription.
  • if the test is negative: it is viral angina that does not require treatment with antibiotics.

FYI  

have you ever seen a doctor, but he was unable to perform the test during the consultation? They can give you a “conditional” prescription: if you do the test in the pharmacy and it turns out to be positive, you can then get the antibiotic treatment directly from that prescription.

Please note

performing the test in a pharmacy costs between 6 and €7. It is covered by the Health Insurance 70% (the remaining 30% is covered by your health add-on).

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