BD 240917 - BBL Streptocard Acid Latex Test Kit, Rapid Latex Agglutination System for Group A Streptococcal Antigen Detection, EA
The BD 240917 - BD BBL Streptocard Acid Latex Test Kit is a rapid latex agglutination assay designed for the qualitative detection of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) antigens directly from throat swabs or cultured isolates. Manufactured by Becton Dickinson (BD) under the BBL brand, this kit provides a fast, accurate, and simple method for confirming Streptococcus pyogenes infections, which are responsible for conditions such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and scarlet fever.
Using latex particles coated with Group A-specific antibodies, the BD Streptocard Test detects antigen-antibody reactions that result in visible agglutination within minutes. This easy-to-use, in vitro diagnostic tool supports timely clinical decision-making and effective patient management in healthcare and laboratory settings.
Key Benefits
The BD BBL Streptocard Acid Latex Test Kit offers exceptional speed, reliability, and ease of use in Group A Streptococcus identification. Key benefits include:
- Rapid results: Provides clear, visible agglutination within 12 minutes, enabling same-visit diagnosis.
- High specificity: Latex particles are coated with antibodies highly specific to Group A carbohydrate antigen, minimizing cross-reactivity.
- Simple workflow: Requires minimal training and no specialized equipment for interpretation.
- Reliable performance: Delivers accurate confirmation of Streptococcus pyogenes infections from both direct specimens and culture isolates.
- Quality-controlled reagents: Pre-calibrated and ready-to-use components ensure consistent and reproducible results.
Compatibility and Applications
The BD 240917 Streptocard Acid Latex Test Kit is designed for clinical and diagnostic laboratories performing rapid detection of Group A Streptococci. It is applicable in:
- Rapid diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis directly from throat swabs.
- Confirmation of presumptive GAS isolates obtained from culture media.
- Public health laboratories and physician office laboratories requiring immediate test results.
- Supplemental testing in clinical microbiology workflows to support culture-based identification.
The test can be performed on isolates grown on blood agar plates or directly from patient specimens, providing versatility for both screening and confirmatory testing.
Usage Guidelines
Before testing, allow reagents and samples to reach room temperature. Mix one drop of the latex reagent with a small amount of extracted sample or bacterial colony on the provided reaction card. Gently rock the card and observe for visible clumping or agglutination within 12 minutes. The presence of distinct agglutination indicates a positive result for Group A Streptococcal antigen. Lack of visible clumping indicates a negative result. Always include known positive and negative control reagents to verify test accuracy. Dispose of all used materials as biohazard waste in accordance with institutional protocols.
Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals
The BD BBL Streptocard Acid Latex Test Kit is FDA-cleared and CE-marked for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use. It is manufactured under ISO 13485:2016-certified quality management systems, ensuring reliability and compliance with international diagnostic standards. Each kit lot is validated for sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility using reference strains of Group A Streptococci. The reagents meet CLSI and WHO standards for rapid antigen detection methods in bacterial diagnostics.
Comparison with Competitor Products
Compared to culture-only or slower antigen detection methods, the BD Streptocard Latex Test provides significantly faster and easier Group A confirmation. Competitor assays may require longer incubation times or specialized instrumentation, whereas BDs kit delivers accurate, visible results within minutes. The acid extraction step enhances antigen availability, improving test sensitivity. BDs reagent stability and robust performance make it a preferred choice in laboratories seeking a reliable, cost-effective rapid testing solution for GAS identification.
Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios
This product is intended for use by clinical laboratory technologists, microbiologists, and trained healthcare professionals in hospital and diagnostic settings. Typical use scenarios include:
- Rapid testing of throat swabs in outpatient clinics or emergency departments.
- Confirmation of beta-hemolytic colonies isolated on blood agar plates.
- High-throughput testing in microbiology laboratories performing GAS surveillance.
- Point-of-care testing in physician offices for immediate clinical decision-making.
Its simplicity and reliability make it ideal for both small-scale and high-volume testing environments.
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
Store the BD Streptocard Test Kit at 28C when not in use. Do not freeze. Keep all components tightly sealed to prevent reagent contamination or evaporation. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Mix latex reagents gently before each use to ensure uniform suspension. Perform the test within the manufacturers recommended temperature range (1830C) for optimal accuracy. Discard reagents and control materials after expiration or if signs of contamination are observed.
Regulatory and Safety Information
The BD 240917 - BD BBL Streptocard Acid Latex Test Kit is intended for professional use only and complies with FDA, CE, and ISO requirements for IVD diagnostic devices. The reagents are non-toxic, non-flammable, and contain no hazardous substances under normal laboratory use. The kit is latex-free, DEHP-free, and non-pyrogenic. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available from BD upon request, providing details on reagent composition, handling precautions, and waste disposal. All testing should be conducted following appropriate biosafety and infection control protocols.
How to Order
To order the BD 240917 - BD BBL Streptocard Acid Latex Test Kit, add the product to your cart and complete checkout through CIA Medical. We offer competitive pricing, fast shipping, and full customer support for clinical laboratories, hospitals, and physician offices. For bulk orders, quality control documentation, or technical assistance, contact CIA Medicals customer service team at (312) 275-5850 or use the contact form on this page. Our team can assist with product availability, validation data, and usage guidelines tailored to your laboratory needs.
