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Beta Strep, Throat (Rapid)
MessagePerforming Lab: All Sites
Test Code
3369
Alias/See Also
Sunquest: BSS; Rapid Strep Screen
CPT Codes
87880
Includes
Negative results will be sent for culture (BSC) when clinically indicated or for patients <21 years of age
Preferred Specimen
Throat swab
Instructions
Collect a throat swab using standard procedure. Use care to avoid the tongue, sides and top of mouth. Swab vigorously over each tonsillar area and posterior pharynx. Exudates should be touched.
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Bloody specimens, Rayon-tip or Dacron-tip swab
Methodology
Lateral-flow immunoassay
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Same Day
Limitations
Antigen level may be below the detection level of the test. Negative results should be followed up with culture if clinically appropriate.
Reference Range
Negative
Clinical Significance
Group A Streptococcus is the most significant cause of pharyngitis. Early diagnosis and treatment of group A Streptococcal pharyngitis has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms and serious complications such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.
