Purpose

The Acceava Strep A kit is a rapid, qualitative lateral flow immunoassay procedure allowing the early diagnosis and treatment of Group A Strep pharyngitis. After the chemical extraction of the unique carbohydrate antigen of Strep. pyogenes, a strip with a test line of antibodies to the strep A carbodydrate on the membrane is placed in the extraction fluid. As the extraction fluid moves up the membrane the Group A Strep antigens will bind with the antibody conjugated color particles. The complex will form a red line indicating a positive result. Further up the strip is a built in procedural control line which will turn red if the test has been performed properly. Additionally, specimens are cultured to screen for other groups of beta strep.

The group identification of Streptococcus in clinical specimens may play a role in patient diagnosis, treatments, and infection control activities. Group A strep, also known as Strep. pyogenes. Is a catalase negative gram positive cocci covered with the Lancefield group A antigen. This organism is most frequently the cause of pharyngitis, and tonsilitis. Other serious diseases associated with this organism include impetigo, scarlet fever, and puerperal sepsis. Serious complications such as rheumatic fever, peritonsillar abscesses, and glomerular nephritis can occur if left untreated.