RADT
Medical abbreviation · Laboratory Test
| Stands for | Rapid antigen detection test |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
RADT stands for Rapid antigen detection test, a laboratory test abbreviation.
Point-of-care test that detects pathogen proteins in a swab within about 10 to 15 minutes, used for group A streptococcal pharyngitis, influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Specificity is high, so a positive result is reliable, but sensitivity is lower than culture or molecular testing.
Example: RADT negative in an 8-year-old with exudative pharyngitis; throat culture sent.
Usage notes
For strep throat, IDSA guidance says a negative rapid test in a child or adolescent should be backed up by a throat culture, while adults usually do not need one. Home COVID-19 antigen tests are a form of RADT and are most reliable when repeated over several days. Clinicians often say "rapid strep" or "rapid flu".
Related abbreviations
More laboratory test abbreviations
- POCT – Point-of-care testing
- PSA – Prostate-specific antigen
- PT – Prothrombin time
- PT/INR – Prothrombin time with international normalized ratio
- PTT – Partial thromboplastin time
- QNS – Quantity not sufficient
- RBC – Red blood cell count
- RDW – Red cell distribution width
- Retic – Reticulocyte count
- RF – Rheumatoid factor
- RFP – Renal function panel
- Rh – Rhesus (D antigen)
See all 135 laboratory test abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.