Rapid Testing
Rapid Strep A Test
Rapid Strep A Test is a commonly used test in various clinics as a Rapid antigen detection test (RADT) to help in the diagnosis of throat infections such as pharyngitis. This test is always done during the diagnosis of throat infections to determine whether they are viral or bacterial. The infection occurs in the throat and is caused by the group A streptococci, also known as strep throat. This test involves the use of various technologies to help detect the presence of group A streptococci in an individual’s throat. During diagnosis, throat swabs are taken, and the response to Group A streptococci antigens is monitored to detect if there are present. In this test, the throat is swabbed to collect a mucus (Cunha, 2017). The swab is then mixed with antibodies to correspond with group A streptococci. In the presence of the group A streptococci, there will be visible agglutination. In the lateral flow test, migration of antigens along the nitrocellulose film is noticed if group A streptococci are present. When samples are combined with special substrate and antibodies labeled, there is a color change observed signaling group streptococci presence.
Gonochek-II Test
This test is used to identify the present Neisseria species, either Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Neisseria menengitidis in test samples taken from an individual. Gonochek-II Test is used to confirm and identify Neisseria species. It takes the incubation method whereby growth and pH are monitored to help the confirmation of N. menengitidis, N. gonorrhoeae, and N. lactamica (Meyer & Buder, 2020). Hydrolysis occurs in the cells with the help of the enzymes n the chromogenic substrates to produce different colors used in the identification of the Neisseria species. Gonochek-II Test is important in identifying Neisseria species through the production of color changes used in the determination of the species. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is Red. Neisseria menengitidis is identified when the color is yellow, whereas Neisseria lactamica is Blue.
References
Cunha, B. A. (2017). A positive rapid strep test in a young adult with acute pharyngitis: be careful what you wish for! ID Cases, 10, 58-59.
Meyer, T., & Buder, S. (2020). The Laboratory Diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Current Testing and Future Demands. Pathogens, 9(2), 91.