Here to stay: rapid nucleic acid tests for group A streptococcus pharyngitis.

Dubois et al. report results of a meta-analysis assessing the diagnostic accuracy of rapid nucleic acid tests (RNATs) for group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis. While the accuracy of any diagnostic assay is crucial, the clinical application of these tests must be considered as these molecular assays become more widely implemented. We provide commentary to highlight the considerations for optimal use of RNATs in practice, taking into account the appropriate clinical context and setting to perform and evaluate these tests. Specifically, we address the critical clinical questions: "What is the benefit of rapid testing for GAS?" and "Under what circumstances should RNATs for GAS be utilized?"