Comparison of Alere i Strep A Rapid Molecular Assay With Rapid Antigen Testing and Culture in a Pediatric Outpatient Setting.

Objectives: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the most common bacterial cause of pediatric acute pharyngitis, and its quick identification is important for subsequent treatment. We sought to determine whether molecular GAS-based testing can successfully replace GAS antigen testing and subsequent culture in a pediatric urgent care center.

Methods: We tested 160 patient oropharyngeal samples by a rapid antigen GAS test, the Alere i Strep A test, and throat culture in a pediatric urgent care setting and calculated basic statistical metrics.