II. Indication
- Suspected Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis
- Not recommended as primary test due to 24 hour delay
- Confirmatory testing of a negative Streptococcal Rapid Antigen Test
- Negative Streptococcal Rapid Antigen Test in age 5 to 15 years
- As of 2012, not recommended as a backup test in adults (lower Incidence, lower complication rate)
- Also identifies other organisms
- Negative Streptococcal Rapid Antigen Test in age 5 to 15 years
III. Technique
- Swab posterior oropharynx and Tonsils
- Cultured on 5% sheep blood agar plate
- Requires 24 hour minimum for adequate growth
IV. Efficacy
- Highly dependent on technique
- Does not differentiate streptococcal carrier state
- Single swab with single culture in adults
- Test Sensitivity: 90%
- Test Specificity: 99%