Skip to main content

Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

  or
  or
  or

GROUP A STREP RAPID THROAT

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2388    Geisinger Epic ID:  17507

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Throat


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

One dry swab, one ESwab.


Special notes: 

See Microbiology Collection Appendix for collection instructions. Dry swab should be used for Rapid Group A Strep. Flocked swab should be used for PCR testing. Check expiration date on transport device before use. Do not use cotton-tipped swabs, calcium alginate swabs, wooden-shafted swabs, charcoal swabs, swabs with semi-solid transport medium, or swabs with transport tubes containing sponges with liquid media.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

If throat specimen is accidentally collected in an ESwab tube, rapid testing cannot be performed. Testing can be credited and a Group A Strep PCR (GASPCR) performed.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature(18-25°C) within 72 hours.


Specimen stability: 

72 hours.


Rejection criteria: 

Improperly labeled/identified specimen. Expired collection/transport swab. Visibly bloody specimen swab. Collection of specimen with non-approved swab type. Submission of dry swab only. Submission of ESwab only. 



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Negative.


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Positive.
Additional information: 

All negative screens are confirmed by Group A Strep PCR (performed at GMC).


CPT code(s):  87880
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Antigen detection of Group A strep.


Methodology: 
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Synonyms: 

THROAT, GRPAS, STREP, RAPID, GROUP A, STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES, STREP THROAT, GROUP A STREP, RAPID GROUP A STREP, RAPID STREP, PHARYNGITIS


Clinical significance: 

Group A Streptotoccus is a causative agent of acute pharyngitis. Although rare, untreated group A streptococcal pharyngitis may progress to suppurative and nonsuppurative sequelae.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Raquel Martinez, PhD, D(ABMM)
Review Date:  12/31/2024

Performing Locations