PRIMA Strep A test

Group A Streptococcus and Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. It mostly affects children. The bacteria are present in the mouth, throat and nose of the infected person. They are transmitted through either respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected respiratory secretions.

Incubation period
Usually 1 to 3 days

Common symptoms
It usually starts with a fever and sore throat. Headache, vomiting and abdominal pain may also occur. The tongue may have a distinctive ""strawberry""-like (red and bumpy) appearance. A ""sandpaper"" texture-like rash would commonly begin on the first or second day of illness over the upper trunk and neck, which spreads to the limbs. The rash is usually more prominent in armpits, elbows and groin areas. It usually subsides after one week and is followed by skin peeling over fingertips, toes and groin areas.

Scarlet fever is sometimes complicated with middle ear infection, throat abscess, chest infection, meningitis, bone or joint problems, damage to kidneys, liver and heart, and rarely toxic shock syndrome.

Prevention
There is no vaccine available against scarlet fever, to reduce their chance of getting infection by adopting the following measures:
•Maintain good personal hygiene
•Maintain good environmental hygiene

Strep A Test
Strep A test that detects the presence of specific streptococcus A antigens in throat swab samples by using special monoclonal antibodies. It helps to understand quickly if a sore throat is caused by Streptococcus A, If the test result is positive, consult the doctor.

Results
Positive: Two coloured bands appear in the reading window by the T (test) and C (control) signs. The T band may be less intense (lighter) than the C line. This result means that the test has detected the presence of Streptococcus A specifi c antigens in the sample. You should consult a physician.

Negative: A coloured band appears only under the C (control) sign. This result is negative and means that no Streptococcus A antigens have been detected in the sample from the pharynx or that their amount is too low to be detected.

Non invalid result: No bands appear or there is a line only under the T (test) sign and not under the C (control) sign. In this case it is not possible to interpret the result of the test, which must be considered not valid. Repeat the test with a new sample.

Precautions
READ THE RESULT AFTER 5 MINUTES. DO NOT READ THE RESULT AFTER 10 MINUTES.
•Strep A test can be carried out if there are symptoms such as pain when swallowing, sore throat, red and swollen tonsils, small red patches on the back of the palate, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, nausea or vomiting.

*Read these instructions for use carefully before performing the test. The Test is reliable only if all the instructions are followed correctly.

Storage
Store in a dry place at a temperature between 4°C and 30°C. Do not freeze.

Kit includes
•Test cassette x 1
•Desiccant bag x 1
•Test diluent x 1
•Sterile swab x 1
•Sterile wooden tongue depressor x 1
•Plastic test tube x 1
•Test R1 x 1
•Test R2 x 1
•Instruction x 1