Evaluation of a fully automated “sample-to-result” PCR-based diagnostic test for detecting A/C/G Streptococci from throat swab specimens

Pharyngitis is commonly caused by viruses or by Streptococci, the latter of which can be treated with antibiotics. Rapid differential diagnostics help to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, as clinicians often initiate empirical treatment before culture results are available. In addition, a shorter turnaround time for laboratory diagnosis may prevent transmission or development of the more severe disease. Diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis is commonly done by culture, which requires at least 24 h incubation. The results of our study showed that the fully automated PCR system is a useful and reliable tool for speeding up the diagnosis and would be helpful, especially in locations far away from central laboratories.