Rapid Strep Tests: 6 Things You Should Know To Buy Strep Test Devices By Anthony N Mishik MD
Anthony Mishik
January 07, 2009
www.DocSavings.com
Rapid strep testing is one of the miracles of modern diagnostic medicine testing. These rapid tests are used to quickly and accurately diagnosis and treat strep throat (also called strep pharyngitis) caused by Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcal bacteria. The rapid testing for this disease cuts down on the inappropriate use of antibiotics and can return the patient to work or school in a timely manner.
Several differences exist among rapid strep tests. These differences are:
1. Test Type: Strip, Cassette, Twist Device and Optical Device. Most rapid strep tests use Immunochromatographic Assays (Strip, Cassette or Twist Devise) or Optical Immunoassay (Optical Devise) to show the presence or absence of group A beta hemolytic streptococcal bacteria directly obtained from a throat swab. The test is done through use of various devices (single strip, cassette device, twist devise or optical disc) that all deploy similar antigen immunoassay technology. End results are very similar as measured by sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. (See Strep Comparison at www.DocSavings.com).
2. Sensitivity of Rapid Strep Tests: This parameter measures the proportion of true positive rapid strep tests to actual positive patients. The higher the sensitivity, the more patients who actually have strep throat. The best result is 100%.
3. Specificity of Rapid Strep Tests: This parameter measures the proportion of true negative rapid strep tests which are correctly identified. The higher the specificity, the more patients who are recognized as not having strep pharyngitis. The best result is 100%.
4. Accuracy: This diagnostic measure combines sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, accuracy is the proportion of true results (both true positive and true negative strep tests) in the population tested for strep throat. An accuracy of 100% means that the rapid strep test identifies all sick and well patients correctly.
5. Ease of Use: This refers to the number of steps (from 3 to 11) needed to run a given rapid strep test and the amount of time to do the rapid test.
6. Price Variability: Finally one should compare the variability in pricing that can exist among similar strep tests and based on volume discounts available within a given rapid strep test.
In summary, ambulatory and outpatient medical practices should consider these six factors in choosing quality yet economical rapid diagnostic test for ruling out or diagnosing group A beta hemolytic streptococcal disease.
You can contact Dr. Mishik thru our website www.DocSavings.com
Or Email at DrTony (at) DocSavings.com
Phone: 888 DOC-SAV2 (888-362-7282)
Rapid strep testing is one of the miracles of modern diagnostic medicine testing. These rapid tests are used to quickly and accurately diagnosis and treat strep throat (also called strep pharyngitis) caused by Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcal bacteria. The rapid testing for this disease cuts down on the inappropriate use of antibiotics and can return the patient to work or school in a timely manner.
Several differences exist among rapid strep tests. These differences are:
1. Test Type: Strip, Cassette, Twist Device and Optical Device. Most rapid strep tests use Immunochromatographic Assays (Strip, Cassette or Twist Devise) or Optical Immunoassay (Optical Devise) to show the presence or absence of group A beta hemolytic streptococcal bacteria directly obtained from a throat swab. The test is done through use of various devices (single strip, cassette device, twist devise or optical disc) that all deploy similar antigen immunoassay technology. End results are very similar as measured by sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. (See Strep Comparison at www.DocSavings.com).
2. Sensitivity of Rapid Strep Tests: This parameter measures the proportion of true positive rapid strep tests to actual positive patients. The higher the sensitivity, the more patients who actually have strep throat. The best result is 100%.
3. Specificity of Rapid Strep Tests: This parameter measures the proportion of true negative rapid strep tests which are correctly identified. The higher the specificity, the more patients who are recognized as not having strep pharyngitis. The best result is 100%.
4. Accuracy: This diagnostic measure combines sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, accuracy is the proportion of true results (both true positive and true negative strep tests) in the population tested for strep throat. An accuracy of 100% means that the rapid strep test identifies all sick and well patients correctly.
5. Ease of Use: This refers to the number of steps (from 3 to 11) needed to run a given rapid strep test and the amount of time to do the rapid test.
6. Price Variability: Finally one should compare the variability in pricing that can exist among similar strep tests and based on volume discounts available within a given rapid strep test.
In summary, ambulatory and outpatient medical practices should consider these six factors in choosing quality yet economical rapid diagnostic test for ruling out or diagnosing group A beta hemolytic streptococcal disease.
You can contact Dr. Mishik thru our website www.DocSavings.com
Or Email at DrTony (at) DocSavings.com
Phone: 888 DOC-SAV2 (888-362-7282)
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