Evaluation of TestPack Strep A for the detection of group A streptococci in throat swabs.
The performance of TestPack Strep A (Abbott Laboratories), a rapid enzyme immunoassay, was compared with a culture-based method for the detection of group A streptococci in 648 throat swabs. The rapid test correctly detected 99 of the 128 positive and 511 of the 520 negative specimens, a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 98%. Although highly specific, TestPack Strep A is less sensitive than culture techniques for the detection of group A streptococci in throat swabs.
Yu
P K
PK
Section of Clinical Microbiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Germer
J J
JJ
Torgerson
C A
CA
Anhalt
J P
JP
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000382:microbiology*; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic