Performance of a Molecular Test for Group A Streptococcus Pharyngitis

Abstract

We performed a prospective study to determine if the pretest probability of a positive loop-mediated isothermal amplification test is greater when there are more signs and symptoms of GAS pharyngitis. Patients were enrolled if a clinician obtained a GAS RADT. The McIsaac score was calculated. The prevalence of positive LAMP and RADT results increased as the McIsaac score increased. The calculated sensitivity of LAMP was superior to RADT.

Keywords: Group A streptococcus; diagnostic stewardship; molecular test; nucleic acid amplification test; pharyngitis.