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Test Code STREPA Strep A

Additional Codes

ALAB: STREPA
Powerchart: Strep A by PCR
MA Cerner: 

Specimen Requirement

Throat swab is required. Foam, polyester, Hydraflock, and nylon flocked throat swabs can be used. RAYON SWABS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collection Instructions:

  1. Instruct patient to lie or sit with head tilted back, then open mouth, stick out tongue and breathe deeply through mouth during procedure.
  2. Direct maximum lighting toward the back of the throat.
  3. Using a tongue blade, depress tongue and vigorously swab the tonsillar and posterior pharynx areas that are inflamed, purulent or ulcerated using a sterile approved swab.
  4. Remove swab without touching any other parts of the mouth and return swab to the paper wrapper.
  5. Label the paper wrapper with patient name and two identifiers (patient ID number, DOB, etc.) [including source, date and time of collection].
  6. Transport the specimen to the laboratory immediately.
  7. The swabs may remain dry and at room temperature for up to 72 hours prior to testing.

Useful For

Rapid confirmation of a diagnosis of streptococcal infections

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Expedite: Typically completed within 1 hour after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT: Typically completed within 15 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Test Method

Isothermal nucleic acid amplification; Abbott ID Now.

Reference Values

Negative

CPT Code Information

87651 -  IADNA STREPTOCOCCUS GRP AMP PRB