Group A Strep, Rapid Antigen

Test Code

STREP

Alias/See Also

Epic: LAB2424

Rapid strep
Rapid throat

Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Throat swab
Collection Container: Kit-provided swab
Specimen Volume: Swab

Instructions

Collect throat specimens with a sterile swab provided in the kit, together with the e-Swab, from the tonsils and/or back of the throat taking care to avoid the teeth, gums, tongue, or cheek surfaces

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Incorrect transport

Methodology
Immunochromatographic assay

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day

Limitations

Negative results can occur from inadequate specimen collection or antigen level which is below the detection limit of the test.

This test does not differentiate between carriers and acute infection. Pharyngitis may be caused by viral or bacterial pathogens other than Group A Streptococcus.

Reference Range

Negative

Clinical Significance

Early diagnosis and treatment of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis wil decrease the risk of serious complications such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.

Performing Laboratory
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus Laboratory
3300 Gallows Road
Falls Church, VA 22042

Last Updated: October 31, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, October 31, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.