CandyCollect Strep Throat Testing

This study will enroll children ages 5-17 who test positive for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) at a single clinic visit lasting approximately 30 minutes. The primary aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of the CandyCollect platform to capture and detect GAS. The investigators hypothesize that the CandyCollect platform is non-inferior to gold-standard rapid antigen detection testing for GAS.

The rationale for this study is to demonstrate the potential of the CandyCollect platform for acquisition of samples from children in the clinic. With deliberate design to maximize collection performance from saliva sampling, the investigators long-term vision is that the CandyCollect platform will achieve better sensitivity and specificity than can be obtained with current biospecimen collection techniques, while providing a platform that is preferred by patients and usable in home settings. Ultimately, the CandyCollect has the potential to make saliva sampling a new gold standard for respiratory disease diagnostics and prevent the discomfort associated with a pharyngeal swab. Intervention: Pediatric participants diagnosed with GAS via rapid antigen detection test (RADT) will be asked to suck on a swab for 10 seconds, like sucking on a lollipop. They will then be asked to suck on a candy lollipop that will collect their saliva. Participants will do each type of saliva collection twice-two swabs, then two lollipops. Afterwards, participants (both pediatric and caregiver) will fill out a short survey asking about their feelings and opinions about the different types of tests. Specific aims: Aim 1: The primary aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of the CandyCollect platform to capture and detect GAS in a small scale clinical study. The investigators will compare results of the CandyCollect sampling with both the RADT, which is the current gold standard, as well as a lollipop swab. Aim 2: The secondary aim of this study is to evaluate the usability of the CandyCollect device by surveying pediatric participant and parent experience, acceptance of the collection technique, and their willingness to perform the test at home. Hypotheses to be tested: Aim 1: The CandyCollect platform is non-inferior to gold-standard RADT for GAS. Aim 2: Pediatric participants and their parent/legal guardians will have a more positive experience with the CandyCollect than the RADT throat swab or the lollipop swab, and they will be willing to do the CandyCollect at home.

Children age 5-17 years old diagnosed via standard Rapid Antigen Detection Test with acute pharyngitis caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), along with their parent or legal guardian (aka "caregiver").

The CandyCollect device is a novel, micro-engineered, lollipop-inspired platform. It has functionalized open microchannels for pathogen capture and concentration. It also has time-controlled flavoring release to make the platform more patient-centric. Participant will be asked to take this test twice.

The "lollipop" swab is a typical swab that would be used to obtain routine pharyngeal samples. Child participants are instructed to suck on the swab for 10 seconds, as they would suck on a lollipop. Participant will be asked to take this test twice.

The primary aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of the CandyCollect platform to capture and detect Group A Streptococcus (GAS) in a small scale clinical study. The investigators will compare results of the CandyCollect sampling and a lollipop swab test to the rapid antigen detection test (RADT).

The secondary aim of this study is to evaluate the usability of the CandyCollect device by surveying participant experience with the throat swab, lollipop swab, and CandyCollect. Caregivers will be asked to rate their experiences on a scale of -5 (bad) to 5 (good). Mean scores for each feeling for each test will be reported.

The secondary aim of this study is to evaluate the usability of the CandyCollect device by surveying participant experience with the throat swab, lollipop swab, and CandyCollect. Caregivers will be asked to rate their experiences on a scale of 1 (pleasant) to 7 (unpleasant). Mean scores for each feeling for each test will be reported.

The acceptance of the CandyCollect device relative to other sample collection methods will be measured by surveying preferred sample collection method for their child if they needed another test next week, which method they preferred, which method was most suitable for children in general, and which method was least invasive. Count of Caregivers for each question for each sample collection method will be reported.

Acceptability of the CandyCollect device will be in part measured by Caregiver willingness to perform the test at home.

Pediatric participants will be surveyed with the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale for their experience with the throat swab, lollipop swab, and CandyCollect. Scores range from 1-10, where higher scores indicate increased pain.

Pediatric participants will be asked with sample collection method they prefer: throat swab, lollipop swab, or CandyCollect.

Acceptability of the intervention will be in part measured by asking pediatric participants if they are willing to do the CandyCollect at home.

Inclusion Criteria: Child age 5-17 years old Diagnosis of acute pharyngitis caused by GAS A positive RADT swab in clinic Able to assent and complete surveys in English Exclusion Criteria: Unable to suck on a swab or CandyCollect Previous participation in this study Self-reported sensitivity to sugar-free products Inclusion for Caregiver Participants: Parent or legal guardian able to provide consent for child participant Physically present at the clinic with the child Able consent and complete surveys in English Exclusion for Caregiver Participants: Does not meet inclusion criteria