Evaluation of SD Bioline Strep A for Rapid Antigen Testing in Elementary Schoolchildren / 대한임상미생물학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rapid antigen tests (RAT) of group A streptococci (GAS) are easy to perform and can save two days of bacterial culture time. Performance of SD Bioline Strep A was analyzed in comparison with throat culture. METHODS: Three consecutive throat swabs were taken from 308 healthy elementary schoolchildren. The first two swabs were tested for SD Bioline Strep A and Quidel Quick Vue Dipstick Strep A rapid antigen tests, and the third one was inoculated onto blood agar plate to grow GAS. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of SD Bioline Strep A were 79.3%, 88.9%, 72.2%, and 92.2% respectively. Those of Quidel Quick Vue Strep A were 58.5%, 93.8%, 77.4%, and 86.2% respectively. CONCLUSION: SD Bioline Strep A showed a significantly higher sensitivity and a slightly lower specificity compared to Quidel Quick Vue Strep A. SD Bioline Strep A RAT should be useful for the rapid diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis and the optimum use of antibiotics.