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throat culture: (088-0509)
Clinical Indication:

 Pharyngitis
Test Mnemonic:

 C THR
Methodology:

Culture screen for Group A Streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes
Performed:

 Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

 2-3 Days
Specimen Requirements: Patient Preparation:  Swab of oral pharynx

Collect: With Culturette, swab back of throat especially white patches and red areas.

Specimen Preparation: Culturette

Storage/Transport: Room temperature

Stability: 48 hours

Causes for Rejection: Inappropriate collection container
Clinical Information:

If epiglottitis is suspected, indicate on the request form so that additional media is plated.
Reference Range:

Negative
Note:

A rapid Group A Strep antigen test (C RSS) is also available. If the rapid Strep antigen test is ordered, submit two swabs.
CPT 4 Code:

 87081
Review 10/17/2012 by Theresa Friloux

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-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

 

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