Date:
June 12, 2024
Category:
Strep A Rapid Test (throat swab)
Rapid test for the detection of Group A Streptococcus antigen in throat swab specimens. For professional use – performed under the supervision of a healthcare professional; supplied in a single Testera package.
Where to buy →Testera on testera.eu – find a pharmacy or shop near you
About the condition
Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is a common cause of bacterial throat infection (tonsillitis, pharyngitis) and scarlet fever, especially in children aged 5–15. Characteristic symptoms include a sudden onset of severe sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, enlarged tonsils with exudate, swollen neck lymph nodes, and sometimes a fine, rough rash; a cough and runny nose are more typical of a viral infection. The test helps distinguish a bacterial infection, which may require antibiotics, from a viral one; treatment is prescribed by a physician.
Ingredients
- Test cassettes
- Extraction tubes
- Sterile swabs
- Drip tips
- Package leaflet
- 1 extraction reagent (2M NaNO2)
- 2 Extraction reagent (0,027M citric acid)
- Positive control (non-viable streptococcus A; 0.01% Proclin300)
- Negative control (non-viable streptococcus C; 0.01% Proclin300)
Instructions
- Remove the test cassette from the sealed foil bag and use it within one hour. The best
results are obtained when the test is carried out as soon as the foil bag is opened. - Hold 1 extraction reagent bottle vertically and add 4 drops of it (approximately 240 μl) into
extraction tube. Extraction reagent 1 is red. Keep 2 extraction
Hold the reagent bottle vertically and add 4 drops (approximately 160 µl) of it into the tube. Extraction reagent 2
is colourless. Mix the solution by gently swirling the extraction tube. 2 Extraction reagent
after adding to extraction reagent 1, the color of the solution changes from red to yellow. See illustration 1. - Immediately place the swab in the extraction tube, swirl the swab vigorously 15 times, leave it
extract in the test tube for 1 minute. See Figure 2. Press the swab against the side of the tube and
press its bottom when you pull out the swab so that most of the liquid stays in the tube. Dispose of it
swab. See Illustration 3. - Place the dropper tip on top of the extraction tube. Place the test cartridge on a clean and
flat surface. Add three drops of the solution (approximately 100 μl) into the sample well and start the timer.
Check the result after 5 minutes. After 10 minutes, do not check the results again.
Results
POSITIVE:* two coloured lines appear. One coloured line should appear in the control line area (C) and the other in the test line area (T). A positive result means that streptococcus A has been detected in the sample.
* NOTE: The intensity of the colour in the test line area (T) will vary depending on the concentration of Streptococcus A in the sample. Therefore, any shade in the test line area (T) should be considered a positive result.
NEGATIVE: A single coloured line appears in the control area (C). No line is visible in the test line area (T). A negative result means that streptococcal antigen A is absent from the sample or below the detectable level of the test. A sample from the patient is required to confirm the absence of Streptococcus A infection. If clinical symptoms are not consistent with the results, take another sample for culture.
INVALID: the control line does not appear. The most likely reasons for the control line not appearing are an insufficient sample volume or an incorrectly performed procedure. Review the procedure and repeat the test using a new test.
Informative video
Instruction leaflet
Download instructions
Frequently asked questions
How to distinguish strep throat from a viral sore throat
Strep throat is characterized by sudden throat pain when swallowing, fever, enlarged neck lymph nodes, and plaque on the tonsils, usually without coughing or a runny nose. A rapid test helps verify this.
How to perform a strep test?
Using a sterile swab, a specimen is taken from the tonsils and the posterior pharyngeal wall, treated with a solution, and dropped onto the test. It is important to follow the instructions to ensure the sample is suitable.
Is the strep test suitable for children?
Yes, the test can also be performed on children, but the swab must be taken carefully. In the case of a positive result, antibiotic treatment is prescribed by a physician.
Where to buy the Testera test?
Testera tests are sold in pharmacies, retail chains, and petrol stations in several European countries. Want to sell Testera products in your country? Contact us – we will offer terms of cooperation.
Rapid tests are for preliminary screening and do not replace a doctor’s consultation.