Previous studies of the accuracy of rapid in-office tests for group A Streptococcus had disparate results, ranging from sensitivity of 70% to more than 90%. The sensitivity and specificity of 3 commercially available Strep A tests were determined in 2 private pediatric office settings. Acceava Strep A, Genzyme OSOM Strep A, and the Quidel QuickVue Strep A tests were the representative rapid tests for detection of Streptococcus pyogenes. Overnight culture on standard 5% sheep blood agar was the reference standard for this study. All 3 CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments)-waived tests had sensitivities and specificities that exceeded 95%.
Tanz RR, Gerber MA, Kabat W., Rippe J., Seshadri R., Shulman STPerformance of a rapid antigen-detection test and throat culture in community pediatric offices: implication for management of pharyngitis. Pediatrics. 2009;123:437-444.
2.
Gieseker KE, Roe MH, Mackenzie T., Todd JKEvaluating the American Academy of Pediatrics diagnostic standard for Strep pyogenes pharyngitis: backup culture versus repeat rapid antigen testing. Pediatrics. 2003;111:e666-e670.
3.
Hall MC, Kieke B., Gonzales R., Belongia EASpectrum bias of a rapid antigent detection test for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis in a pediatric population. Pediatrics . 2004;114:182-186.
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American Academy of Pediatrics.Group A streptococcal infections. In: Pickering LK, Baker CJ, Long SS, McMillan JA, eds. Red Book: 2006 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 27th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2006:613.
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Camurdan AD, Camurdan OM, Ok I., Sahin F., Ilhan MN, Beyazova U.Diagnostic value of rapid antigen detection test for streptococcal pharyngitis in a pediatric population. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol . 2008;72:1203-1206.
