Streptococcus Group A Culture [4485X]

Test Code

6470

CPT Codes
87081

Includes

If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge, (CPT code(s): 87077 or 87140 or 87143 or 87147 or 87149).
Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).

Preferred Specimen

Collected throat specimens in an Amies liquid elution swab (ESwab), Amies liquid, or gel transport or equivalent

Minimum Volume

1 swab

Other Acceptable Specimens

Peri-rectal swab from infants/toddlers only, in an Amies liquid elution swab (ESwab), Amies liquid, or gel transport or equivalent

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

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

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

Dry swabs • Specimens submitted in transports not listed as acceptable • Swabs from sources other than those listed as acceptable

Methodology
Bacterial Culture, Aerobic Routine Isolation and Identification Procedures; susceptibility testing not routinely performed

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 3 days

Reference Range

No Group A Streptococci isolated

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 Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153

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.