title: Novel color test for rapid detection of group A streptococci.
abstract: A novel color test for the rapid detection of group A streptococci has been developed. The test, designed to be suitable for use in clinical laboratories as well as by less experienced personnel, incorporates the simplicity of latex tests with a color change to indicate the presence of group A streptococcal antigen. The test, which takes 5 min, was evaluated with 646 throat swabs, with a 15.6% incidence of group A streptococci; for swabs which yielded 10 or more group A streptococcal colonies in cultures, the sensitivity was 96.8%, and the specificity was 99.1%. In addition, the color test was 100% sensitive and specific when used to detect group A streptococcal antigen in beta-hemolytic colonies from culture plates.
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Hadfield
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Petts
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: McIllmurray
mesh_terms: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests; D010614:Pharynx / Q000382:microbiology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial