COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.
The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.
Simply complete a short survey at: https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/survey-builder/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI/edit
From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.
For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
Group A streptococcus (GAS), group A beta haemolytic streptococcus, Streptococcus A, Streptococcus pyogenes
Throat culture; Throat microscopy & sensitivities
To diagnose Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) infection of the throat (strep throat)
If you have a sore throat and fever and your doctor thinks it may be due to a bacterial cause
A swab brushed against your throat and tonsils
The test identifies Streptococcus pyogenes, known as Group A streptococci, which are bacteria that infect the back of the throat and cause the common infection called strep throat. Although Streptococcus pyogenes is the most common bacterial pathogen in throat infections, it is not the only cause of "strep throat". Bacteria such as Group C and G streptococci and the genus Arcanobacteria also cause this type of infection.
The bacteria are tested by throat culture. Your doctor may use a tongue depressor to hold down your tongue, and then they will insert a special swab into your mouth and brush it against your throat and tonsils. The swab will be sent to a laboratory, where culture is performed.
The majority of sore throats are caused by a virus and do not require active treatment with antibiotics. Some, caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium, may be severe and are treatable with antibiotics. Your doctor may use a throat culture if they think you might have strep throat to help make the correct diagnosis. This allows your doctor to prescribe the proper antibiotics for treatment. A throat culture may take several days to get results.
Your doctor may request this test if you have a sore throat and a fever that might be due to a bacterial infection. Other symptoms include:
A positive throat culture indicates the presence of group A Streptococci, the bacteria that cause strep throat.
Strep throat may be contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact. Symptoms usually occur within two to seven days after exposure. If untreated, this throat infection can create serious lifelong problems in a small minority of patients.
Strep throat is most common in 5 to 10 year-olds. Up to 20 per cent of school children may be 'carriers' - people who have the bacteria but who have no symptoms. Carriers can still spread the infection to others.
Five to ten days.
Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titre is a blood test used to help diagnose a current or past infection with Group A strep (Streptococcus pyogenes). It detects antibodies to streptolysin O, one of the many antigens. This test is rarely used now compared to thirty years ago. For an acute strep throat infection, this test is not performed; the throat culture is used.
However, if a doctor is trying to find out if someone had a recent strep infection that may not have been diagnosed, this test could be helpful. In addition, it may be used to help diagnose rheumatic fever, which occurs weeks after a strep throat infection when the throat culture would no longer be positive.
Influenza, Blood Culture, Antistreptolysin O Titre
Follow a sample: a short laboratory tour
eMedicineHealth – Strep throat NPS MedicineWise - Sore Throat RCPA Manual: Throat swab
Last Review Date: January 10, 2023