Strep. A test                   MCL Procedure for Waived Applications

Back to Home Page

CDC  link: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/groupastreptococcal_g.htm

Specimen Collection Instructions

• The kit is stored at room temperature .
• Using only the sterile rayon swab that comes with this test, rub the swab on the back of the throat, on the tonsils and in other area of redness, inflammation or pus. Be careful not to touch the tongue, teeth, gums or cheek. Do not use any other swabs expect the ones that come with this kit. Process the swab as soon as possible

Testing:

• Add three drops of reagent 1 and three drops of reagent 2 to the test tube.(the solution should be light yellow)
  Caution: Reagent 2 contains and acid. If solution contacts skin or eyes, flush with large quantity of water.
• Immediately put the swab into the tube and vigorously mix by rotating against the side of the tube for a minimum of ten times. Through extraction will ensure best results
• Let the swab stand for one minute in the solution then express as much liquid as possible from the swab as it is removed. Squeeze the sides of the tube during extraction to express the liquid from the swab. Once removed, discard the swab.
• Remove a test stick from its package.
• Place the absorbent end of the test strip into the sample solution.
• Read results at five minutes.
• Record the results: Write your name, the date, time and findings on the patient record.
  Confirm all negative findings with a throat culture.
• Record the results on the Strept A Patient and Control Form.

Illustrations:

Express liquid after one minute. Read result after five minutes.	Internal Control must be visible (red line) before a result is valid. Two lines-- blue and red indicate a positive result. Red line alone means a negative result.

Quality Control:
The internal quality control is in the form of a red control line. The control line must appear in the proper location before the test can be accepted. A positive finding in the control line means that: there is functional activity of the detection component of the test

• External quality control in the form of positive and negative materials must be performed when a new kit is opened or when a new operator performs the test for the first time. Failures in quality control must be corrected by re-testing the controls before any patients are tested. A second failure in quality must be corrected by acquiring a new kit.
• Failures of the quality control must be documented by nursing service report and forwarded to the laboratory for full investigation.