Rapid Staph and Strep Tests

Question 1

How does the rapid Strep test detect Group A Strep infections in throat samples? What does a positive rapid Strep test look like?

Answer 1

It uses immunoassay, a line at the test line region of the dipstick is positive

Question 2

How does the rapid Staph test detect Staphylococcus aureus: specifically, what 2 substances coat the latex beads?

Answer 2

human fibrinogen and IgG

Question 3

What components of S. aureus do the beads bind to? What does a positive test look like?

Answer 3

IgG antibodies, a positive test shows agglutination (clumping)