TruQuick™ Strep A Blue
TruQuick Strep A Blue is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Strep A antigens from throat swab specimens to aid in the diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal infection.
Streptococcus pyogenes are nonmotile gram-positive cocci, which contain the Lancefield Group A antigens that can cause serious infections such as pharyngitis, respiratory infection, impetigo, endocarditis, meningitis, puerperal sepsis, and arthritis.1 Left untreated, these infections can lead to serious complications, including rheumatic fever and peritonsillar abscess.2 Traditional identification procedures for Group A Streptococci infection involve the isolation and identification of viable organisms using techniques that require 24 to 48 hours or longer.3, 4
TruQuick Strep A Blue is a rapid test to qualitatively detect the presence of Strep A antigens in throat swab specimens, providing results within five minutes. The test utilizes antibodies specific for whole cell Lancefield Group A Streptococcus to selectively detect Strep A antigens in a throat swab specimen.
- Remove the Test Cassette from the sealed foil pouch and use it within one hour. Best results will be obtained if the test is performed immediately after opening the foil pouch.
- Hold the Extraction Reagent 1 bottle vertically and add 4 full drops (approximately 240 μL) of Extraction Reagent 1 to an Extraction Tube. Extraction Reagent 1 is red in color. Hold the Extraction Reagent 2 bottle vertically and add 4 full drops (approximately 160 μL) to the tube. Extraction Reagent 2 is colorless. Mix the solution by gently swirling the Extraction Tube. The addition of Extraction Reagent 2 to Extraction Reagent 1 changes the color of the solution from red to yellow. See illustration 1.
- Immediately add the swab into the Extraction Tube, agitate the swab vigorously 15 times, Leave the swab in the Extraction Tube for 1 minute. See illustration 2. 4. Press the swab against the side of the tube and squeeze the bottom of the tube while removing the swab so that most of the liquid stays in the tube. Discard the swab. See illustration 3 5. Fit the dropper tip on top of the Extraction Tube. Place the Test Cassette on a clean and level surface. Add 3 drops of the solution (approx.100 μL) to the sample well and then start the timer. Read the result at 5 minutes. Do not interpret the result after 10 minutes. See illustration 4 and illustration 5.
- Murray PR, et al. Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 6th Edition, ASM Press, Washington DC. 1995;p.299-307.
- Webb KH. Does culture confirmation of high-sensitivity rapid streptococcal tests make sense? A medical decision analysis. Pediatrics. 1998 Feb;101:2, 2.
- Bisno AL, Gerber MA, Gwaltney JM, Kaplan EL, Schwartz RH. Diagnosis and management of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis. Clin Inf Dis. 1997;25:574-83.
- Needham CA, McPherson KA, Webb KH. Streptococcal pharyngitis: Impact of a highsensitivity antigen test on physician outcome. J Clin Micro. 1998 Dec;36:3468-3473.
- Shea YR. Specimen collection and transport, Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Isenberg HD. Amer Soc Micro., Washington DC. 1992;1.1.1-1.1.30.
- Nussinovitch M, Finkelstein Y, Amir J, Varsano I. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis in preschool children aged 3 months to 5 years. Clin Pe. 1999 June;38:357-360.
- Woods WA, Carter CT, Stack M, Connors Jr AF, Schlager TA. Group A streptococcal pharyngitis in adults 30 to 65 years of age. S Med J. 1999 May;491-492.