Evaluation of a two-minute strep A direct swab test (SADST) on patients with pharyngitis at a primary care clinic

Abstract

SUMMARYA two-minute strep A direct swab test (SADST) was used to detect the presence of Lancefield group A streptococci (GAS) from the throats of 207 patients with pharyngitis at a primary-care clinic. The results were compared with a standard culture method. Fifty-one specimens were positive and 156 specimens were negative for GAS by culture. The SADST had a sensitivity of 96 % (49 of 51) and specificity of 98-7 % (154 of 156). The predictive values of a positive and negative SADST, for GAS, were 96 % and 98-7 % respectively. The SADST showed negative reactions with five specimens containing beta-haemolytic streptococci other than GAS and 34 known stock cultures other than GAS. Our results indicate that SADST is a rapid, simple, convenient and reliable test to use for diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis at primary care clinics, physicians' offices and clinical laboratories.

Acute Rheumatic Fever Incidence in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

“…The tests can be done in 2 to 10 minutes, and if the results are positive, treatment may be started promptly. 17,18 …”