Respiratory disease rapid diagnostic test GasDirect

bacteriaStreptococcus Athroat

The GasDirect test for group A Streptococcus is a DNA probe assay that uses nucleic acid hybridization for the qualitative detection of group A streptococcal RNA. This direct throat swab test eliminates the time and difficulty of culturing group A Streptococcus, while delivering high sensitivity and specificity. American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommend that all negative rapid antigen assays be backed up by culture or a test that is equivalent to culture. The Hologic GasDirect test can be used as both backup to negative rapid antigen assays or as a standalone test. Because the signs and symptoms of viral and bacterial infections are broadly similar, accurately diagnosing these upper respiratory tract illnesses is the key that allows physicians to properly treat their patients without contributing to the further development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The GasDirect test is documented as being comparable to culture in terms of cost and assay performance, yet it offers an improved turnaround time of 24 hours versus 72 hours for culture.1 The GasDirect test from Hologic provides the following: Fast, accurate diagnosis — same day results vs. 2-3 days for culture. Higher sensitivity than rapid direct antigen tests. Accuracy equivalent to standard culture. User-friendly non-isotopic test format, helping reduce technician training.