Evaluating saliva tests for diagnosing strep throat in children

Diagnostic Accuracy of Rapid Molecular Tests for Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis Using Saliva Samples: Prospective Multicenter Study in Primary Care

Observational Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Creteil · NCT05521568

This study is testing if saliva tests can accurately diagnose strep throat in kids aged 3 to 15, to see if they are a simpler and less invasive option than the usual throat swabs.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment800 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Intercommunal Creteil Academic / other
Locations1 site (Saint-Maur-des-Fossés)
Trial IDNCT05521568 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of rapid molecular tests for Group A streptococcal pharyngitis using saliva samples in children aged 3-15 years. It compares these new saliva-based tests to standard throat culture and PCR techniques, which are currently used for diagnosis. The aim is to determine if saliva samples can provide a less invasive and equally effective alternative for identifying strep throat, thereby improving patient management in primary care settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 3-15 years presenting with symptoms of acute pharyngitis in a primary care setting.

Not a fit: Patients who have received antibiotics within the past 7 days or are already enrolled in the study for the same episode of pharyngitis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to quicker and less invasive testing for strep throat in children, improving treatment decisions.

How similar studies have performed: While traditional throat swab tests are well-established, the use of saliva for rapid molecular testing in this context is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* children 3-15 years
* seen in primary care (general practitioner or primary care pediatrician)
* with a diagnosis of acute pharyngitis defined as an inflammation of the pharynx and/or tonsils (erythema with or without exudate) or acute sore throat (even if without local signs of pharyngeal inflammation)
* non-opposition of the accompanying parent(s)

Exclusion Criteria:

* children who received antibiotics within 7 days before inclusion
* children already enrolled in the study for the same episode of pharyngitis

Where this trial is running

Saint-Maur-des-Fossés

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Streptococcal Pharyngitissore throat, rapid tests, molecular tests, saliva, sensitivity, specificity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.