Description
Rapid Strep A test is a qualitative test that detects group A streptococcal antigen. The test is a rapid, in vitro assay. It is intended for professional use to help diagnose Strep A infection in hospital and clinical laboratories. Rapid Strep A test is a sandwich immunoassay. The carbohydrate antigen of group A streptoccus is extracted by chemical extraction first. The extracted antigen then is transferred to sample pad, it moves through the conjugate pad and mobilizes gold anti-Strep A polyclonal antibody conjugate that is coated on the conjugate pad. The mixture moves along the membrane by capillary action and reacts with anti-Strep A polyclonal antibody that is coated on the test region. If Strep A antigen is present, the result is the formation of a colored band in the test region. If Strep A antigen is lower than detection level in the sample, the area will remain colorless. The sample continues to move to the control area where Goat anti-rabbit IgG antibody will capture gold-antibody conjugate to form a pink to purple color, indicating the test is working and the result is valid.