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Alphabetical Index
Throat Culture, Group A Strep (8000100096)
Test Mnemonic:

 C THR
Specimen Requirements:
Test Included:

Screen for Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes)
Collection:

With ESwab or Culturette, swab back of throat especially white patches and red areas.
Container:

ESwab, or Culturette
Storage/Transport:

Room temperature or refrigerated
Stability:

<=48 hours
Causes for Rejection:

Inappropriate collection container. Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection on requisition form.
Methodology:

Culture screen for Group A Streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes
Performed:

Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

 2-3 Days
Reference Range:

No beta-hemolytic strep isolated. 

No pathogenic beta-hemolytic strep isolated. 
CPT 4 Code:

87081, additional if indicated
Note:

 

Recommended test is Group A Strep by PCR, collection device is E-Swab.

A rapid Group A Strep antigen test (C RSS) is also available. If the rapid Strep antigen test is ordered, submit two swabs
Synonyms:

Throat screen; Strep Throat Culture; Strep Culture, Throat; Group A Strep Screen
Patient Preparation :

Swab of oral pharynx

Clinical Indication:

 Pharyngitis with Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes)
Effective Date: 07/03/2024
Reviewed By/Date: Williams-Bouyer, Natalie - 09/19/2018
Approved By/Date: Williams-Bouyer, Natalie - 07/03/2024
When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.

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