Throat Culture

Test Code

CXTHR

Alias/See Also

Epic: LAB228

Includes

Culture for Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes) , Group C and G Streptococcus, and Archanobacterium

Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Throat or pharynx
Collection Container: eSwab (liquid Amies medium, regular size Nylon flocked swab with white cap)
Specimen Volume: Swab

Other Acceptable Specimens

Specimen Type: Throat or pharynx
Collection Container: Culturette (BBL Culture Swab)

Instructions

Extend sterile swabs (two swabs necessary if Rapid Antigen test is ordered) between the tonsillar pillars and behind the uvula. Avoid the teeth, gums, tongue and cheek surfaces. Rub the swabs across the posterior pharynx, tonsillar areas, and any inflamed areas. Place the swab back in the transport tube.

Specimen Stability

E-Swab
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

BBL Culture Swab
Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Rejection will occur for the following reasons: improperly labeled specimen, insufficient volume, specimen not submitted in appropriate transport container, dry swabs received

Methodology
Culture

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

2-3 days

Reference Range

Negative for Group A, C, and G Streptococcus and Archanobacterium

Performing Laboratory

Inova Laboratories

2832 Juniper Street

Fairfax, VA 22031

Last Updated: July 25, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, April 10, 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.