DRY FORM MICRONITROUS ACID STREPTOCOCCI EXTRACTION-AGGLUTINATION TEST

摘要

Ready-to-use microtube and method for the simple and accurate identification of beta-hemolytic streptococci from inoculated swabs. Non-volatile reagents are selected and affixed to two separate loci within the microtube by means of a stable, water-soluble or dispersible binder. At the time of patient examination, the patient site (pharynx, etc.) is swabbed and the swab is placed, tip down, in the prepared microtube. Four to six drops of distilled water are added, the swab is rotated and, after a brief incubation period, an agglutination agent is used to verify the presence or absence of a specific streptococcus group antigen by the presence or absence of a visible agglutination. The test is suitable for use in identifying any streptococcus group which bears antigens susceptible to extraction by nitrous acid, including in particular the clinically significant group A, B, C, F, and G beta-hemolytic streptococci.