The ICON Strep B Immunoassay for Rapid Detection of Group B Streptococcal Antigen

This article evaluates a new and rapid group B streptococcus antigen detection method called ICON Strep B (Hybritech, Inc, San Diego), an enzyme immunoassay that uses immunoconcentration techniques. Results were compared with those of a latex particle agglutination (LPA) test and culture. ICON sensitivity for cervical and gastric aspirate samples was 92.3% and 100%, respectively, compared with culture. Specificity was 99.2% and 98.9%. Sensitivity and specificity for urine were 100% and 99.3%, respectively, compared with LPA. Accuracy of the ICON test, based on 88J specimens, was 99.2%. There was excellent agreement with both LPA and culture.