A new panel "Group A Rapid Strep Screen with Reflex to Culture" has replaced the "Rapid Strep Screen". The panel includes culture confirmation of negative Group A Streptococcal (GAS) rapid antigen tests. The GAS culture will not be performed if the rapid test is positive.

For children and adolescents, a negative rapid GAS antigen detection test should be confirmed with a throat culture. A negative rapid antigen test without culture confirmation is considered an acceptable practice for adults because of the lower incidence of GAS pharyngitis and minimal risk of rheumatic fever. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis are available at http://www.idsociety.org/ (Clin Infect Dis 2002; 35:113-25) and http://circ.ahajournals.org/ (Circulation 2009; 119:1541-1551).

Questions may be directed to Kathy Eyres (6-0353).