Laboratory Test Directory

Synonyms: Strep Screen, Direct Strep Test

CPT 4 Code: 87880

Test Order Mnemonic: C RSS

Test Includes: Detection of Group A Streptococcus antigen from throat

Lab: Bacteriology

Request Form: Microbiology

Collection: Throat swab culturette. Use the dual-swab culturette so that the culture may be performed on  antigen negative samples.

Storage Instructions: Room temperature

Causes for Rejection: Specimens from other sources

Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at the Microbiology Processing Laboratory, Room 5.137 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: 1 hour from receipt of the specimen in the laboratory.

Special Instructions: Specimens with negative antigen tests will be cultured for Group A Streptococcus, if two swabs are collected, unless otherwise indicated.

Specimen: Throat swab

Container: Dual-swab culturette

Reference Ranges: Negative

Test Method: Membrane cartridge EIA

Revised/reviewed 10/21/2011 by T. Friloux