THROAT CULTURE-GC

Test Code

LAB304868

CPT Codes
87070

Includes

Bacterial culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Streptococcus pyogenes(Group A Strep).

Preferred Specimen

E-swab

Instructions

With a tongue blade, depress the tongue so the back of the throat is clearly visible. Without getting buccal or tongue contamination, insert the culturette swab to the back of the throat and swab both tonsillar areas, the posterior pharynx, and any areas of
inflammation, ulceration, or exudation. A good gag reflex indicates a satisfactory specimen.

Transport Temperature

Ambient

Specimen Stability

Ambient: 2 hours, do not refrigerate

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

Dry swabs and specimens that have been refrigerated will be rejected for culture.

Methodology
Culture

Setup Schedule

Sunday-Saturday

Reference Range

No Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated.
No Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A) isolated.

Performing Laboratory
West Virginia University Hospital, Inc.
St. Joseph’s Hospital
United Hospital Center
Uniontown Hospital

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.