Rapid Detection and Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Abstract

This article reviews techniques of rapid testing and the effective diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis. Despite 50 years' study of streptococcal pharyngitis and 20 years' experience with rapid tests for its diagnosis, the subject continues to evolve. Rapid diagnostic tests have become more sensitive. Experts now consider not if but when they may replace throat cultures. Highly accurate rapid tests will still challenge clinicians to screen the right patients. The improvement of clinical diagnosis will require an understanding of the clinical spectrum of pharyngitis and questions relating to disease prevalence, test performance, and medical decision making. Implications for diagnostic strategies are discussed.