Group A Strep PCR with Reflex Culture
Label Mnemonic: GROUP A STRE
Order form: Microbiology Laboratory Requisition
Supply order: Supply Order Form
Billing: Billing Policies
CPT code: 87651, 87081
Specimen(s):
Throat Swab
Collection Medium:
ESwab Collection & Transport System (Hospital Stores #74541)
Minimum:
Collect ONE ESwab (Product #74541) and send to Microbiology Lab.
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen for PCR collected using different swab (not Eswab).
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
PCR testing: 2 Hours after receipt in laboratory.
Culture testing: 2 days.
Reference Range:
Negative
Comments:
Epic Code: LAB7639

The Group A Streptococcus (GPA) culture will not be performed if the rapid test is positive.

The culture includes culture confirmation of negative GAS nucleic acid amplification tests. Cultures are also examined for Group A, C, and G Streptoccocus and Arcanobacterium.
Methodology:
PCR amplification; Xpert Xpress Strep A (Cepheid)
Sample Processing:
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of collection.
Maintain sterility and forward promptly to lab.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as possible.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Transport Instructions:
Coolant packs up to 8 hours.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
CPT Code:
87651, 87081