Group A Streptococcus Rapid Test – EZER™

What is in the Group A Streptococcus Rapid Test?

Each kit includes:

• 20 EZER™ Strep A test cassettes

• 20 sterile throat swabs

• 20 plastic tubes with droppers

• 2 extraction buffer vials (A and B)

• 1 tube stand

• 1 package insert

The test detects GAS antigens via immunochromatographic analysis. When the Group A Streptococcus antigen is present in the sample, a red band appears in the T region, while the C line validates the test.

Role of Group A Streptococcus in Disease

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a Gram-positive bacterium responsible for a wide range of infections:

• Non-invasive: pharyngitis, tonsillitis, impetigo

• Invasive: pneumonia, bacteremia, endocarditis, necrotizing fasciitis

• Severe: streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS)

GAS is commonly found in the respiratory tract and can infect asymptomatic carriers or immunocompromised individuals. It remains a leading cause of acute pharyngitis in children and is highly transmissible in clinical settings.

Rapid identification of Group A Streptococcus-positive patients allows for:

• Prompt antibiotic therapy

• Reduction in unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions

• Infection control in healthcare and community settings

About the EZER™ Strep A Antigen Rapid Test

The EZER™ Strep A Antigen Rapid Test from Genesis Biotech uses rabbit monoclonal antibodies against Group A Streptococcus fixed on a membrane strip. It is validated against throat culture results and shows strong agreement.

Performance Data:

• Sensitivity: 93.55%

• Specificity: 97.26%

• Accuracy: 96.38%

• No cross-reactivity with Group B, C, F, G Streptococci or common respiratory flora

It detects Strep A antigens at concentrations as low as 2.0 × 10⁵ CFU/mL (CICC10913 strain), making it effective even in early infection stages.

Principle and Workflow

The test procedure is simple:

Sample Collection:

1. Collect throat swab from the tonsils or pharyngeal wall

2. Avoid contact with saliva, tongue, or cheeks

Testing Steps:

1. Add 4 drops of buffer A and 4 drops of buffer B into the tube

2. Mix gently until the solution turns yellow

3. Insert swab, swirl and squeeze 10 times

4. Let it stand 1 minute, remove swab, cap tube with nozzle

5. Apply 3 drops to the cassette sample well

6. Read results in 15 minutes

Interpretation:

• Positive: Lines at C and T

• Negative: Line at C only

• Invalid: No C line, retest required

This Group A Streptococcus-targeted test requires no lab instrumentation and can be used in outpatient or urgent care environments.

Clinical Application

The EZER™ Strep A Antigen Rapid Test is ideal for:

• Clinical microbiology labs

• Primary care clinics and pediatric practices

• Emergency rooms

• School-based and community health programs

Its fast turnaround helps clinicians:

• Confirm Group A Streptococcus-positive pharyngitis

• Prevent unnecessary antibiotic use

• Identify infectious carriers

• Implement infection control protocols in shared environments

This test supports effective point-of-care diagnosis and public health surveillance of streptococcal infections.