Final answer:
A 'rapid strep' test requires a throat swab to diagnose streptococcal pharyngitis. While rapid and convenient, this test may have false negatives, making culture identification the gold standard for confirmation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of specimen required for a "rapid strep" test is a throat swab. This test is used to diagnose streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat, which is an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus. The rapid strep test involves taking a sample from the back of the throat and tonsils with a swab, which is then tested for the presence of the bacteria. While this test can provide results quickly, it's important to note that there can be false-negative results, so a culture identification may be recommended as the gold standard to confirm the presence of S. pyogenes, especially if the rapid test result is negative.