Sore Throat? Know Why in 30 Minutes.

Your throat is raw, swallowing hurts, and you’re not sure if it’s strep, the flu, RSV, or just a cold. The fastest way to know, and start the right treatment, is to test. The IC Labs Rapid 5-in-1 Sore Throat Virus and Bacteria PCR Test screens for five of the most common causes of pharyngitis from a single throat swab, with results in about 30 minutes. No doctor’s order required. No insurance needed. Just answers — fast.

What Does the 5-in-1 Sore Throat PCR Test Detect?

The Rapid 5-in-1 Sore Throat Virus and Bacteria PCR Test uses the same gold-standard PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology trusted by hospitals and healthcare providers to simultaneously detect:

Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep)
Human rhinovirus (the most common cause of the common cold)
Influenza A virus (flu)
Influenza B virus (flu)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

One swab. Five answers. In about 30 minutes.

View detailed information about this test.

Rapid 5-in-1 Sore Throat Virus and Bacteria PCR Test

Cost: $159
Results: ~30 minutes
Sample: throat swab
Appropriate for: Anyone with a sore throat or pharyngitis symptoms
Doctor’s Orders: Not required (self-pay)
Medicare: Accepted — doctor’s order required. Download the Medicare Requisition Form
CPT Code: #87651QW
Technology: PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
Appointments: Weekdays — same-day available

Schedule Appointment

Who Should Consider a Sore Throat PCR Test?

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, this test can help identify which pathogen, or combination of pathogens, is responsible:

Severe sore throat or pain when swallowing
Fever or chills
Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck
Red and swollen tonsils
White patches or pus on the tonsils
Cough or runny nose
Fatigue and body aches
Headache
Hoarseness or voice changes
Nausea (especially in children)

The Rapid 5-in-1 Sore Throat Virus and Bacteria PCR Test is appropriate for adults and children of any age experiencing sore throat or pharyngitis symptoms.

Not sure which test is right for you? If you also want to test for COVID-19, consider our Rapid 5-in-1 Respiratory Virus PCR Test. For the most comprehensive sore throat panel available including two types of strep, COVID-19, and whooping cough check out our Rapid 15-in-1 Sore Throat Virus & Bacteria PCR Test.

Why Strep Can’t Wait

Sore throats caused by viruses and bacteria often look identical. You can’t tell strep from the flu by looking in a mirror. But the treatment is completely different — and getting it wrong has consequences. Group A Strep (Streptococcus pyogenes ) is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. Left untreated, it can progress to rheumatic fever, which can permanently damage the heart. Viral sore throats from the flu, RSV, or rhinovirus don’t respond to antibiotics at all. Knowing exactly what you’re dealing with helps you and your physician make smarter, faster decisions.

Identifying the cause of your sore throat isn’t just about feeling better faster — it’s about avoiding the medications you don’t need and getting the ones that will actually work.

If you are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have risk factors for severe illness, consult your physician regardless of your test results.

How It Works

Schedule Your Appointment

Appointments are available every 15 minutes, five days a week. Book online to see same-day availability.

Physician referrals are NOT required for self-pay patients.

Schedule Appointment

Arrive On Time for Your Appointment

Enter our Henderson lab located in Green Valley across from MacDonald Ranch. Our address is 1730 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy, Ste 100, Henderson, NV 89012. Arrive at your appointment time and give your name to our tech. Your test will begin shortly.

Testing Takes Just a Few Moments

The lab tech will gently insert a soft, thin swab into your nostril for a few seconds to gather the sample. It may feel ticklish or slightly uncomfortable, cause your eyes to tear or cause you to cough, but it’s done in moments. No needles or blood work required.

Get Your Results

You’re welcome to wait in our lab. We’ll hand you a printed copy of your results in about 30 minutes. If you prefer to leave, results will be available via email and our Patient Portal in about 45 minutes, and typically by the end of the day.

What It Is

The IC Labs Rapid 5-in-1 Sore Throat Virus and Bacteria PCR Test is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic test. It uses a throat swab sample to simultaneously detect the genetic material of five common pathogens that cause pharyngitis and sore throat:

Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep)
Human rhinovirus
Influenza A virus
Influenza B virus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

PCR technology works by identifying the genetic material of a pathogen meaning it detects an active, current infection. If this test returns a positive result for any of the pathogens listed above, it means the person is CURRENTLY infected with that pathogen. Once the infection clears, the genetic material disappears and subsequent tests will return a negative result.

It is possible for more than one result to be positive simultaneously. This is called a co-infection.

A positive result is considered highly accurate. However, it is possible to be infected and still receive a negative result, particularly very early in an infection. No test is 100% accurate. If your symptoms persist or worsen despite a negative result, follow up with your physician.

A negative result may mean your symptoms are caused by a pathogen not included in this panel, or by a condition that is not infectious in nature.

This test is appropriate for humans of any age, including infants, who are experiencing sore throat or pharyngitis symptoms.

Schedule Appointment

What It Is Not

The Rapid 5-in-1 Sore Throat Virus and Bacteria PCR Test is not an antibody test. It does not detect whether you have previously been infected by looking for antibodies in your blood. Antibody testing is not used to diagnose a current infection.

It is not a rapid antigen test. This test uses PCR technology, which identifies genetic material rather than surface proteins.

It does not test for COVID-19, whooping cough, Group B Strep, pneumonia, adenovirus, or other pathogens not listed in the panel. If you want to test for COVID-19 alongside flu and RSV, consider our Rapid 5-in-1 Respiratory Virus PCR Test. For the most comprehensive sore throat screening available (including COVID-19) see our Rapid 15-in-1 Sore Throat Virus & Bacteria PCR Test.

This test will not tell you how likely you are to spread an illness, how serious your infection may become, or what treatment you should receive. Results should be discussed with your physician for treatment decisions.

Medicare Coverage

The Rapid 5-in-1 Sore Throat Virus and Bacteria PCR Test is accepted by Traditional Medicare (CPT #87651QW).

If you have Traditional Medicare and want to use your coverage for this test, here’s what you need to know:

A physician’s order is required for Medicare billing — this test cannot be self-ordered through Medicare.
Your physician will need to complete and sign the IC Labs Patient Medicare Requisition Form, which includes your patient information, the relevant ICD-10 diagnostic codes, and their NPI number.
Bring the completed, signed form and your Medicare card to your appointment.
IC Labs bills Medicare directly on your behalf.

Download the Medicare Requisition Form (PDF) (PDF — print and take to your physician)

Important: Traditional Medicare only. Medicare Advantage plans are not accepted for this test. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, this test is available as a self-pay service for $159.

Self-pay patients do not need a doctor’s order. Walk in, book online, and test on your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which viruses does the Rapid 5-in-1 Respiratory Virus PCR Test detect?

This test screens for five respiratory viruses from a single nasal swab:

Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep)
Human rhinovirus (the most common cause of the common cold)
Influenza A virus (flu)
Influenza B virus (flu)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

How long does it take to get results?

Results are typically ready in about 30 minutes. If you prefer to leave, results will be available via email and the IC Labs Patient Portal in about 45 minutes, or by the end of the day.

Do I need a doctor’s order to get this test?

No. Self-pay patients do not need a physician’s referral or doctor’s order. You can book online and come in at your scheduled time.

If you are using Traditional Medicare, a physician’s order is required. The 5-in-1 tests are the only tests for which we accept Medicare. All other testing may be paid for by credit or debit card at the time of scheduling.

Does IC Labs accept Medicare for this test?

Yes — the Rapid 5-in-1 Sore Throat Virus and Bacteria PCR Test is covered by Traditional Medicare (CPT #87651QW). A signed physician’s order is required for Medicare billing. Medicare Advantage plans are not accepted. Self-pay patients can book without a doctor’s order for $159.

Only the 5-in-1 tests are covered by Medicare.

Is PCR more accurate than rapid antigen testing?

Yes. PCR testing is generally considered more accurate and sensitive than rapid antigen testing because it can detect lower levels of a virus earlier in an infection. PCR tests analyze viral genetic material, which helps reduce the chance of false negatives, especially in the early stages of illness.

PCR testing is often recommended when accurate diagnosis is important for treatment decisions, travel, work clearance, or confirming respiratory infections such as COVID-19, influenza, RSV, or strep throat.

For patients with symptoms or recent exposure, PCR testing is usually the preferred diagnostic option for the most reliable results.

What if my result is negative but I still feel sick?

A negative result may mean your symptoms are caused by a pathogen not included in this panel, or by a non-viral condition. No test is 100% accurate. If your symptoms persist or worsen, follow up with your physician.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. IC Labs sees patients by appointment only, but same day appointments are typically available. Schedule online at https://book.rapidtesting.us.

Where is IC Labs located?

IC Labs is located in the Green Valley area of Henderson, Nevada, at the corner of Valle Verde Drive and Horizon Ridge Parkway — just across from MacDonald Ranch. Our address is 1730 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy, Suite 100, Henderson, NV 89012. We are a CLIA-certified medical laboratory. Call us at (702) 935-3136.

Is this test available for children?

Yes. All IC Labs tests are available for humans of any age including infants.

Not Sure Which Test Is Right for You?

Our team can help answer any additional questions you may have. Call us today.

Call (702) 935-3136

Henderson Lab Tests

Rapid 15-in-1 Respiratory Virus & Bacteria PCR Test – $199
Rapid 15-in-1 Sore Throat Virus & Bacteria PCR Test – $199
Rapid 5-in-1 Respiratory Virus PCR Test – $159
Rapid 5-in-1 Sore Throat Virus & Bacteria PCR Test – $159
Rapid Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Test – $49
Rapid Streptococcal A (Strep) Test – $49
Rapid H. pylori Test – $49
Rapid Lipid Panel (Cholesterols, Triglycerides + Glucose) Test – $49
Rapid Complete Urinalysis (UTI) Test – $49
ANS+ Autonomic Test – $199
Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test – $99
COVID-19 RT-PCR Test – $169

Payment

We accept credit and debit cards for all tests. We do not accept health insurance for most services — including Medicaid and Medicare Advantage.

Exception: Traditional Medicare is accepted for two tests:

Rapid 5-in-1 Respiratory Virus PCR Test – $159
Rapid 5-in-1 Sore Throat Virus & Bacteria PCR Test – $159

Serving Las Vegas and Henderson

By appointment only

Schedule Appointment

1730 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy #100
Henderson, NV 89012

Phone: (702) 935-3136

About IC Labs, LLC

IC Labs makes medical lab testing accessible and affordable for everyone. We specialize in self-pay lab testing for patients with no insurance or high deductibles. Located in Henderson, Nevada, we are proud to serve the Las Vegas Valley including North Las Vegas, Summerlin and Boulder City. Our team of licensed and accredited professionals is led by Dr. Carolyn Matzinger, Medical Director.

About Us