Rapid Response Diagnostics infectious diseases products covid-19 test, test swab, test cassette and buffer

An infectious disease is an illness caused by specific contact with a pathogenic viruses, bacteria or parasites. Diagnostic tests are vital tools in understanding and controlling its spread. BTNX Inc. offers an array of infectious diseases test kits that are geared to aid healthcare professionals and at home users in efficiently and accurately diagnosing many infectious diseases including COVID-19, RSV, FLU A & B, H. pylori and more!

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Introduction to Strep Tests


What is a Strep Test?

Strep tests are diagnostic tools to identify the presence of the Streptococcus bacterium. The two most common types of strep infections are Group A and Group B. Strep A Tests detect Streptococcus pyogenes (S pyogenes) antigens in the throat, which is a painful and contagious throat infection, known as strep throat. Strep B tests detect for the presence of Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) antigens in the genital tract in women or newborns that invade the body and cause certain infections, known as GBS disease.

What is a Strep A Test?

The Rapid Response Strep A Test is a rapid test that detects Group A Streptococcus antigens in human throat swab specimens. These tests are intended to aid in the diagnosis of Strep A infection.

Streptococcal Infections

Strep, short for Streptococcus, is a type of bacteria. The two most common types of strep infections are Group A and Group B. 
Group A Streptococcus (GAS):

  • Alternate Names: Strep A, Streptococcus pyogenes, S. pyogenes
  • Causes: Strep Throat, Scarlet Fever, Impetigo, Necrotizing Fasciitis, Cellulitis, Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, Rheumatic Fever, Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis

What is Strep A

Beta-hemolytic Group A Streptococcus is a major cause of upper respiratory infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and scarlet fever. Early diagnosis and treatment of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms and further complications, such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.

How is a Strep A test performed?

Strep A rapid tests work by detecting antigens of the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium. A Strep A test is performed by swabbing the back of the throat. With a rapid antigen test, the swab specimen is extracted in a solution, which is then added to a testing device, usually a cassette. The sample from the throat swab interacts with antibodies on the test strip. If an infection is present, colored test lines will appear on the test membrane.

How does the Strep A Test work?

Anti-Strep A antibodies are immobilized on the test region of the membrane. During the test, the specimen reacts with polyclonal anti-Strep A antibodies conjugated to colored particles and precoated onto the sample pad of the test. The mixture then migrates through the membrane by capillary action and interacts with reagents on the membrane. If there is sufficient Strep A antigen in the specimen, a colored band will form at the test region of the membrane. The presence of this colored band indicates a positive result, while its absence indicates a negative result.



Strep Throat


What is Strep Throat

Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by the bacteria Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep). Symptoms include pain when swallowing, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

How is it spread

Group A strep bacteria is very contagious. It can be spread to others through respiratory droplets and direct contact with the bacteria. The bacteria often live in the nose and throat. When people who are infected spread the bacteria by talking, coughing, or sneezing, respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria are spread. Touching something with those droplets and then touching their mouth or nose can also cause a person to get sick. Infected sores on a person;s skin can spread Group A strep bacteria when a person comes in contact and touches the fluid from the sores.

How is Strep Throat treated

A simple rapid test can give you fast results. A healthcare professional will use a rapid strep test to swab your throat to test for strep throat. Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics. When strep throat is not diagnosed or treated, complications may occur if the bacteria spreads to other parts of the body. 

Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Bacterial Diseases

 



Rapid Response Tests Comparison


Product Details Test Method

Rapid Response Strep A Rapid Test Device

(SKU: STR-15STC25)

Format: Strip
Detects Strep A antigens
Sample: Throat swab
Time to results: 5 minutes
An extraction tube is placed in a tube stand. Reagents are added into the tube. The swab with the collected specimen is immersed into the extraction tube. A nozzle is then placed onto the extraction tube. Drops of the extracted solution is added onto the sample region on the test strip.

Rapid Response Strep A Rapid Test Device

(SKU: STR-15CT20, STR-15CTC20)

Format: Cassette
Detects Strep A antigens
Sample: Throat swab
Time to results: 5 minutes
An extraction tube is placed in a tube stand. Reagents are added into the tube. The swab with the collected specimen is immersed into the extraction tube. A nozzle is then placed onto the extraction tube. Drops of the extracted solution is added onto the sample region on the test cassette.


Taking a Strep A Test


Where are they used?

Rapid strep test kits are utilized in healthcare settings.

How to get the test?

Visit your healthcare provider if you suspect you have strep throat. They will decide if a strep test is necessary based on symptoms and physical examination.

Can you take the test at home?

Rapid Response Strep A Rapid Tests are intended for professional point-of-care use only.

What can strep tests detect?

Strep tests detect the presence of a strep infection. 

How to take the test

Please read the product insert included with your kit for more detailed instructions.

During: Swab the throat using the sterile swab provided with your kit. The collected throat specimen is then introduced to the testing device as per the test’s instructions.

After: Wait for the indicated amount of time for the test to process. 

About the results

Positive Result: Indicates the presence of a strep infection.

Negative Result: Indicates no detectable bacteria, although it doesn’t necessarily rule out a strep infection. Further lab tests might be necessary.

Interpreting Results

Two coloured lines indicate a positive result. One line in the control region (C) and another band appears in the test region (T).

One coloured line in the control region (C) indicates a negative result. No coloured line appears in the test region (T).

If the control band fails to appear, the test is invalid. Results from any test which has not produced a control band at the specified read time must be discarded. Please review the procedure and repeat with a new test.


Prevention

For GAS, good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and not sharing personal items can reduce spreading the infection.

For GBS, several recent studies have shown that the intrapartum treatment of GBS-colonized women significantly reduces the incidence of GBS-caused sepsis.2-4 The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine examination for Group B streptococcus between the 35th and the 37th week of pregnancy. A CDC study has shown that routine examinations are 50% more effective than the use of antibiotics for pregnant women with clinical risk factors. Standard culture methods require 24 to 48 hours and the results may not be available soon enough for efficient treatment. Thus, methods utilizing more rapid screening techniques are required.



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FAQ
Can I get a Strep A test at home, or do I need to visit a healthcare provider?
What are the different types of Strep A tests available?
How long does it take to get the results of a Strep A test?
What should I do if my Strep A test results are positive?
Are there any home remedies or over-the-counter treatments for Strep A infections?
Can a Strep A test be used for monitoring or follow-up after treatment?
Is strep throat contagious?
Can someone have strep without showing any symptoms?
How accurate is the test?
How long should I stay away from other people?
If one child has strep throat, is everyone going to get sick?
What can I do to prevent the spread of strep throat?
How do you know if you have strep throat?
How do you interpret the results of a Rapid Strep A test?