Streptococcus culture

TEST DESCRIPTION

Specimen culture followed by subsequent evaluation for the presence of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus species. Bacterial growth of suspicious organisms on non-selective media is documented. Suspicious organisms are identified by other methods to confirm the presence of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus species.

Methodology

Aerobic culture

Reference range

Negative

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. Results are typically available within 1 day after specimen receipt.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

• Throat swab in moist transport medium
• Perianal or rectal swab in moist transport medium
• Vaginal swab in moist transport medium
• Detailed collection instructions appear below

SPECIMEN STORAGE & TRANSPORT

Store and transport swab in appropriate moist transport medium (e.g., Amies) at room temperature  (15–30 °C/59–86 °F) for up to 24 hours.

REJECTION CRITERIA

• Specimen in medium other than moist transport medium
• Specimens greater than 24 hours after collection
• Swab specimens that have been refrigerated or subjected to high temperatures

CODES

CPT: 87081
LOINC: 6463-4
Test code: 2015

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.

DETAILED SPECIMEN COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

• Throat (oropharyngeal) swab
  1. Gently use tongue depressor to look for areas of inflammation (redness) and exudate (pus).
  2. Carefully, but firmly, guide the swab over:
     • Several areas of inflammation or pus
     • The tonsils (or tonsillar crypts if tonsils have been removed)
     • Posterior pharynx (back of throat)
  3. Place swab in moist transport medium (e.g., Amies).
• Rectal swab
  1. Insert sterile swab approximately 1-1.5 inches in the anal canal (through the anal sphincter). Move swab from side to side in the anal canal to sample crypts.
  2. Allow swab to remain for 10 to 30 seconds for absorption of organisms into the swab material.
  3. Place the swab in Amies transport medium.
• Perirectal swab
  1. Carefully insert both swab tips no more than 1 cm into the anal opening before the anal sphincter and rotate gently.
  2. Place swab in moist transport medium (e.g., Amies).
• Vaginal swab
  1. Insert the swab 2 cm into the lower vagina (vaginal introitus).
  2. Move the swab from side to side, or rotate the swab at each collection site, allowing 10 to 30 seconds for absorption of organisms into the swab material.
  3. Place the swab in Amies transport medium.