β-Hemolytic Streptococcus Culture, Group A Only
Also known as: Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus Culture, Group A Only, Culture, Throat, Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci Only, Strep Groups A Culture, Strep Throat Only
Use
Isolate and identify group A β-hemolytic streptococci; establish the diagnosis of strep throat
Special Instructions
Routine susceptibility testing is not performed on group A streptococci because penicillin continues to be the drug of choice. If the patient is penicillin allergic, susceptibility testing may be requested and will be performed at an additional charge. Requests with only a written order and no test number indicated will be processed according to Default Testing for Routine Microbiology.
Limitations
As group A streptococci are uniformly susceptible to penicillin, there is no indication for monitoring susceptibility to penicillin and the emergence of resistance. Surveillance for resistance is not recommended. Specimens must be labeled accurately and transported correctly to avoid rejection.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 11268-0
- 11268-0
Result Turnaround Time
2-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Buccal Swab
Volume
One or two swabs
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Bacterial swab transport containing Amies gel (preferred) or double dry Dacron swab (from throat only)
Collection Instructions
For strep throat, both tonsillar pillars and the oropharynx should be swabbed. Do not allow the swab to touch the tongue.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label; inappropriate specimen transport device; leaking specimen; specimen received after prolonged delay (usually more than 48 hours); expired transport