Ordering Recommendation
Gold standard for confirming group A streptococcal infection. Order when rapid testing is negative and suspicion of streptococcus is moderately high.
Mnemonic
MC STREP
Methodology
Culture/Identification
Performed
Sun-Sat
Reported
1-3 days
Negative culture reported at 3 days. Positive culture reported as soon as detected.
New York DOH Approval Status
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
Throat swab.
Specimen Preparation
Place swab in Eswab transport media (ARUP Supply #45877) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Room temperature or refrigerated.
Unacceptable Conditions
Remarks
Specimen source required.
Stability
Ambient: 72 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval
Culture negative for group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus.
Interpretive Data
Compliance Category
Standard
Note
Hotline History
N/A
CPT Codes
87081; Identification CPT codes may vary based on method
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0060126 | Culture, Streptococcus (Group A) | 547-0 |
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
Aliases
- Beta Streptococcus
- Beta-Hemolytic Strep
- Culture
- Strep
- Strep Group A
- Strep Group B
- Throat
Streptococcus (Group A) Culture