Streptococcus Group A Rapid Antigen

Test Code

STREPA

Alias/See Also

Rapid Strep Screen

Includes

If <em>Streptococcus</em> Group A Rapid Antigen is negative, a culture will be performed at an additional charge.

Preferred Specimen

One culturette swab

Minimum Volume

1 swab

Other Acceptable Specimens

Tonsils • Posterior pharynx

Transport Container

Amies liquid transport dual swab or equivalent or Dry swab transport

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Ambient: 3 days

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

Cotton tip or calcium alginate swabs • Swabs containing charcoal or semi-solid media • Swabs with wooden shafts • Expired transport device • Received frozen • Swabs from sources other than throat

Methodology
Immunoassay

Setup Schedule

24/7

Report Available

Same day for rapid test

Reference Range

Negative

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.

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.