Evaluation of a rapid diagnostic test for group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus in general practice.
OBJECTIVE
to assess the efficacy of Abbott Testpack Strep A compared with throat culture for the diagnosis of group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus in general practice.


METHODS
one hundred and fifty-four specimens were obtained from general practices in selected regions, and were tested for group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus using both Abbott Testpack Strep A and throat culture.


RESULTS
sensitivity of the rapid diagnostic test was 79.4%, specificity 93.3%. The negative predictive value of the test was 94.1%; the positive predictive value 77.1%.


CONCLUSIONS
maximum cost effectiveness is achieved, with respect to short term costs and benefits, by diagnosing and treating solely on the basis of Abbott Testpack Strep A results. When possible complications are taken into consideration, initial testing by Abbott Testpack Strep A, followed by confirmatory laboratory testing of negative Testpack results becomes a feasible alternative.
Carey
R D
RD
Department of General Practice, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin.
Tilyard
M W
MW
Morris
R W
RW
D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000382:microbiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000191:economics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic