Strep A Test

Strep A Test

Strep A Test is a specific immunological test for the detection of Group A streptococcus bacteria in throat infections. It helps to quickly know if a sore throat is caused by a Strep A or other germs (usually viruses) which do not require antibiotic treatment.

The Strep A Test should be performed in case of throat symptoms such as red/swollen throat or tonsils, body aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting or listlessness. A positive result means that the Group A strep was present in the throat sample and you should consult a physician, who will decide about the next step.

WHAT IS STREPTOCOCCUS GROUP A?

Group A ß-hemolytic streptococcus (also known as Streptococcus pyogenes) is the most common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis and it is also responsible for some skin infections, such as impetigo and erysipelas. Most of the sore throats are caused by viral infections which clear up on their own without antibiotic treatment.

Even if Strep A throat infections can solve within few days without treatment, physicians prescribe antibiotics to prevent related complications that can be serious, such as rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis.

WHO CAN USE STREP A TEST?

Strep A Test can be used both by professional users and private customers, as preliminary test to determine the possible presence of streptococcus A bacteria in sore throat infections.

HOW DOES STREP A TEST WORK?

Group A ß-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria may be involved in case of sore throat infections. In order to treat it using antibiotic therapy, it is first necessary to identify it. Thanks to the specific extraction process of throat swab samples, a Group A streptococcus marker (LPS antigen) can be isolated and further identified using specific anti-LPS antigen antibodies. Quickly and reliable results in just 4 minutes. Evaluation reports show an overall agreement of 96,4% with reference method.

WHAT DOES THE TEST PACK CONTAIN?

Instructions for use
1 sterile swab
1 sterile wooden tongue depressor
1 paper workstation
1 empty plastic extraction tube
1 dropper vial containing the diluent for solution 1 (blue cap)
1 dropper vial containing the diluent for solution 2 (green cap)
1 sealed aluminium bag containing:

1 strip test
1 desiccant sachet

How To take The Strep A Test

1. Obtain the sample by using the material provided;
2. Put the swab into the plastic tube and add the two diluent solutions;
3. Mix the solutions and let the swab into the tube for 2-5 minutes. Remove it and collect as much liquid as possible;
4. Apply the dropper to the tube and add 1 drop into the sample well. Wait 5 minutes before reading the result.

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