Test Details
Methodology
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Result Turnaround Time
1 - 2 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.
Use
Detection of Group A Streptococcus in throat swab specimens from patients with signs and symptoms of pharyngitis
Limitations
A negative test result does not exclude the possibility of infection because the test result may be affected by improper specimen collection or because the number of organisms in the sample is below the limit of detection of the test.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Swab of posterior oropharynx, tonsils, or other inflamed area
Volume
Single flocked swab in liquid Amies (ESwab)
Container
ESwab only (Copan Liquid Amies Elution Swab transport, PeopleSoft No. 130839)
Collection Instructions
Using a flocked swab and tongue depressor blade, roll the swab over the tonsillar area and posterior oropharynx, including any ulceration, exudate, lesion, or any area of apparent inflammation.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 48 hours (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Refrigerated | 6 days (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Frozen | N/A (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Reference Range
Negative
Storage Instructions
Throat swabs in liquid Amies (ESwab) are transported to the laboratory at room temperature within 48 hours after specimen collection, or they can be refrigerated for up to six days.
Patient Preparation
Do not collect throat swab specimens immediately after patients have used antiseptic mouthwash.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling; transport device other than an ESwab; specimen received at room temperature after 48 hours or refrigerated after six days; source other than throat
References
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180800 | Strep Gp A Detection, NAA | 60489-2 | 180799 | Strep Gp A Detection, NAA | 60489-2 | |
| Order Code | 180800 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Strep Gp A Detection, NAA | |||||
| Order Loinc | 60489-2 | |||||
| Result Code | 180799 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Strep Gp A Detection, NAA | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 60489-2 |