Résumé : An evaluation of the Directigen Group A Strep Test (DGAST) in comparison witht the traditional culture technique, was carried out on 1907 throat specimens, obtained from pediatric patients suspected of having a group A β-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis. Of the 344 specimens positive by culture, 277 were DGAST positive (sensitivity, 81%). Of the 1563 specimens negative by culture, 1511 were DGAST negative (specificity, 97%). Nineteen isolates of non-group A 3-hemolytic streptococci were recovered, primarily group G, B and G. The DGAST is easy to perform, rapid and very specific, but a lower sensitivity indicates that a back up traditional culture is still necessary, especially in pediatric patients. © 1986 Kluwer Academic Publishers.