Rapid Streptococcus Tests Accurate: Pediatrics. Published online September 8, 2014 =============================== Rapid antigen diagnostic tests (RADTs) are accurate in the diagnosis of strep throat, according to a systematic review and metaanalysis published online September 8 in Pediatrics. he investigators included 48 studies, of which 36 took place in developed countries and 12 in developing countries. The studies covered 23,934 patients. Results suggest an overall sensitivity and specificity of 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83 - 0.88) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94 - 0.97), respectively. Estimates of sensitivity and specificity in pediatric cases were similar (0.87 [95% CI, 0.84 - 0.89] and 0.96 [95% CI, 0.95 - 0.97], respectively). The results suggest a possibility of missing 14% of strep throat cases. The authors considered this an acceptable level of risk in developed countries that have a low risk for rheumatic fever (the most serious adverse effect of untreated strep throat). Developing countries, however, have a higher risk for rheumatic fever and could benefit from highly sensitive, inexpensive RADTs with rapid turnaround times. Results from this study, however, suggest no single test satisfies these 3 criteria. The high overall specificity of RADTs means that these tests can prevent unnecessary antibiotic prescription due to minimal overdiagnosis of GAS pharyngitis in the vast majority of cases [in developed countries], the authors conclude.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:46:45 +0000
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