| Group A Streptococcus Antigen, Throat (088-0300) | |
|---|---|
| Test Mnemonic: | C RSS |
| Specimen Requirements: | |
| Collection: | Collect throat swab, avoiding non infected mucous membranes using the dual-swab Culturette so that the culture may be performed on antigen negative samples. |
| Container: | Culturette |
| Storage/Transport: | Room temperature, refrigerate if transport is delayed |
| Stability: | 48 hours |
| Causes for Rejection: | Improper collection, swabs received more than 72 hours after collection. Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection on requisition form. |
| Reference Range: | Negative |
| Turnaround Time: | Stat - 1 hour, Routine 2-12 hours |
| Methodology: | Membrane cartridge EIA |
| Performed: | Clinical Microbiology |
| Synonyms: | Strep A Test; Throat, Rapid Strep A Test; Group A Strep Test; Rapid Antigen Test for Group A Strep from throats; Antigen Screen for Group A Strep in throat |
| Clinical Indication: | Pharyngitis caused Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) |
| Patient Preparation : | Throat |
| CPT 4 Code: | 87880 |
| Note: | Specimens with negative antigen tests will be cultured for Group A Streptococcus (C THR) , if two swabs are collected, unless otherwise indicated. |
| 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. | |