A throat swab from a patient with suspected streptococcal pharyngitis undergoes rapid antigen detection testing. What is a key limitation of this test?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: High rate of false negatives
Rapid antigen tests for Group A Streptococcus have reduced sensitivity. Negative results often require confirmation with culture.
Keep practicing
More Microbial diagnostics questions
- A clinician suspects Legionella pneumonia. Which diagnostic test is most specific and rapid?
- A CSF sample from a meningitis patient shows many PMNs but no organisms on Gram stain. Which test is most helpful for rapid diagnosis?
- A microbiology lab identifies Gram-negative diplococci in a urethral smear from a symptomatic male. What is the next best confirmatory step?
- A patient presents with fever, rash, and a history of tick exposure. What test is most appropriate for early detection of rickettsial infec…
- A fungal infection is suspected in a patient with chronic cough and cavitary lung lesions. What diagnostic test best identifies fungal cell…
- A patient has profuse watery diarrhea after antibiotic use. Stool ELISA for toxins A and B is negative. Which next test is most appropriate?