CULTURE, THROAT COMPREHENSIVE

Message

Please note: this culture includes all pathogens for the source indicated. To screen for Group A Strep only, order THC or THBC instead.

The comprehensive throat culture (CPTHC) can be added-on to throat culture (THC) testing within 72 hours of the throat culture final report.

Test Code

CPTHC

Alias/See Also

Throat culture

CPT Codes
87070 If culture is positive, identification and susceptibilities (when appropriate), will be performed at an additional charge.

Includes

Note: This culture does not include a gram stain

Preferred Specimen

e-Swab Flocked Swab (used for general aerobic and anaerobic collections)

Other Acceptable Specimens

any dacron swab

Instructions

None

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature up to 2 days

Methodology
Macroscopic, microscopic, biochemicals

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun

Report Available

Final report available within 2 days of set up.

Reference Range

Normal flora

Clinical Significance

Routinely report presence or absence of Group A Strep, Beta Strep not group A or B, Streptococcus pneumonia, M. Catarrhalis, H. Influenza, and S. Aureus. Yeast will be reported if identified.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NMIC (Microbiology)

Last Updated: June 6, 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.