RAPID STREP SCREEN WITH REFLEX CULTURE

Test Code

LAB1925

Quest Code

10553

CPT Codes
87880

Includes

If Streptococcus Group A Rapid Antigen is negative, then a culture will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87081).

Preferred Specimen

Collect throat specimen using a Double ESwab Kit. Return both swabs in their individual designated tubes.

Minimum Volume

Other Acceptable Specimens

Transport Container

Double ESwab Kit (contains one Nylon Flocked ESwab with pink breakpoint and transport tube; and one regular size Rayon swab with transport tube)

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

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

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

Cotton tip or calcium alginate swabs • Swabs containing charcoal or semi-solid media • Swabs with wooden shafts • Specimens submitted in transports not listed as acceptable • Swabs from sources not listed as acceptable

Methodology
Immunochromatography • Bacterial Culture, Aerobic • Routine isolation and identification procedures

Setup Schedule

Day shift and Night shift Daily

Report Available

2 days

Reference Range

Not Detected

Clinical Significance

Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes) is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis ("Strep throat") causing local pharyngeal pain, adenopathy, and fever. In addition, it is important to treat infections caused by this virulent organism in order to avoid potential, morbid complications including peritonsillar and retropharyngeal abscesses, bacteremia, rheumatic fever, and acute glomerulonephritis. Group A Streptococcus, however, may also be isolated in small numbers as part of the oropharyngeal flora of asymptomatic carriers.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics-Lenexa

10101 Renner Blvd

Lenexa, KS 66219-9752

Last Updated: March 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.