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Epic Code LAB228 Group A Strep Throat Culture

Test Name Alias

Culture, Throat | 8887

Interface Order Alias

50014

Clinical Information

Only screens for Beta Strep A.

Icons & Photos

ESwab with regular swab

ESwab with flexible minitip swab
[Photo Unavailable] Dry Puritan Ryan-tip Swab (HDVCH only)

 

Collection Instructions

Specimen Type: Throat Swab
Container/Tube: ESwab (preferred), dry Puritan Rayon-tip swab (HDVCH only), Amies gel tube (Lawson #450094) intended for SHMG POC testing when confirmatory culture is desired, or 1 mL tube with liquid Amies media (Lawson #139748) paired with rayon swab (Lawson #141229).
Collection Instructions:

 

1. Depress the tongue with the a depressor.

2. Using the swab collect from  white patches or red, raw areas of the throat (only). Avoid teeth, gums, tongue & uvula.

3. Place the swab in the tube.

4. Label the tube. Be sure to include source of specimen, date and time collected, patient's name and date of birth (at least 2 patient identifiers).

5. Send to lab as soon as possible.

 

Note: a single dry Rayon swab may not be used for both rapid antigen testing and culture.

NOTE: The Liquid Amies Media and Rayon Swab do not come in a kit and need to be ordered separately. Swab will need to be cut to fit the tube.

Specimen Stability

Ambient: ESwab: 48 hours

Refrigerated:

  • ESwab: 48 hours
  • Dry Puritan Rayon swab: up to 8 hours (HDVCH only)

Laboratory Retention: 4 days

Test Frequency

Available daily, usual TAT 2 days.

Reference Range

No Beta Strep A isolated.

Performing Department

Microbiology

Performing Department Laboratory Location

Corewell Health Reference Laboratory, Grand Rapids, MI

Methodology

Manual

CPT

87081
If identification and/or susceptibility are indicated, additional charges may follow.

CDM Code

3068708101

Epic Test ID

1230100569

Mayo Access Code

SHO50014

Additional Information

Aerobic swab – Red top with sponge in bottom may be an acceptable container until eswabs are available.

Reviewed Date

9/7/2023