Specimen:

Throat Swab

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

If both a rapid strep screen and a throat culture are desired, two
throat swabs must be submitted with two separate requisitions.  The 
A-1a Miscellaneous Reques should be used for the rapid strep screen and 
a Microbiology Requisition should be used for the throat culture.  If 
only one swab is sent, use the A-1a Miscellaneous Request and only the
rapid strep will be performed.  When two swabs are sent, all negative
strep screens will be sent to the Microbiology lab for culture.  If
strep screen is positive, no culture will be sent unless specifically
requested by the physician.

Testing
Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

Results are usually available within 20 minutes of specimen receipt.

Methodology:

Rapid Immunoassay

Sample
Processing:

Place swab in collection kit transport tube.

Sample
Storage:

Ambient or Room Temperature.

Transport
Instructions:

Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Ship at ambient temperature.

CPT Code:

87880