Test Details
Methodology
Culture
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 3 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Test Includes
Culture for isolation of group A Streptococcus only. CPT coding for microbiology and virology procedures often cannot be determined before the culture is performed. Routine susceptibility testing is not performed on group A streptococci because penicillin continues to be the drug of choice. There has been no resistance reported and surveillance for resistance is not recommended. If the patient is penicillin allergic, susceptibility test may be requested in the clinical information field. It will be performed at an additional charge. Requests with only a written order and no test number indicated will be processed according to Default Testing for Routine Microbiology.
Use
Isolate and identify group A β-hemolytic streptococci; establish the diagnosis of strep throat
Custom Additional Information
Rheumatic fever remains a concern in the United States and serious complications including sepsis, soft tissue invasion, and toxic shock-like syndrome have been reported to be increasing in frequency;1 therefore, timely diagnosis and early institution of appropriate therapy remains important. Timely therapy may reduce the acute symptoms and overall duration of streptococcal pharyngitis. The sequelae of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever are diminished by early therapy.
As group A streptococci are uniformly susceptible to penicillin, there is no indication for monitoring susceptibility to penicillin and the emergence of resistance. Susceptibility testing is not routinely performed.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Material from posterior pharynx, tonsils, or other inflamed area
Volume
One or two swabs
Container
Bacterial swab transport containing Amies gel (preferred) or double dry Dacron swab
Collection Instructions
Both tonsillar pillars and the oropharynx should be swabbed. Do not allow the swab to touch the tongue.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label; inappropriate specimen transport device; leaking specimen; specimen received after prolonged delay (usually more than 48 hours); expired transport
References
Footnotes
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 008169 | Beta Strep Gp A Culture | 11268-0 | 008169 | Beta Strep Gp A Culture | 11268-0 | |
| Order Code | 008169 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Beta Strep Gp A Culture | |||||
| Order Loinc | 11268-0 | |||||
| Result Code | 008169 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Beta Strep Gp A Culture | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 11268-0 |