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Test Code GAPCR Streptococcus Group A, Molecular Detection, PCR, Throat


Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: Do not collect throat swab specimens immediately after use of antiseptic mouthwash.

Specimen Type: Throat swab

Supplies: BD E-Swab (T853)

Container/Tube:

Preferred: BD Liquid Amies Elution Swab (ESwab)

Acceptable: Copan Liquid Amies Elution Swab (ESwab)

Specimen Volume: Entire collection/1 ESwab

Collection Instructions:

1. Must be collected and transported using the ESwab collection kit.

2. Using a tongue blade to hold the tongue down, firmly rub the swab over the tonsils, posterior pharynx, and any areas of inflammation with exudate. Ensure that areas with exudate or inflammation are swabbed.

3. Avoid the tongue, teeth, and gums as the swab is withdrawn.

4. Insert the swab back into the ESwab transport tube and break the swab at the indicated score line.

5. Label specimen according to policy.

6. Send refrigerated. Do not freeze.


Useful For

Detecting group A streptococcal infections in patients with signs and symptoms of pharyngitis using a throat swab specimen

 

The test is not intended for monitoring treatment for group A Streptococcus infections.

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reporting Name

Group A Streptococcus PCR, Throat

Specimen Type

Varies

Specimen Minimum Volume

See Specimen Required

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Varies Refrigerated (preferred) 6 days
  Ambient  48 hours

Reference Values

Negative

Interpretation

Positive: Streptococcus pyogenes DNA is detected.

Negative: Streptococcus pyogenes DNA is not detected.

Clinical Reference

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Bacterial Diseases. Active Bacterial Core Surveillance (ABCs) Report: group A Streptococcus, 2003. CDC. 2004. Accessed January 31, 2024. Available at www.cdc.gov/abcs/reports-findings/survreports/gas03.pdf

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Bacterial Diseases. Scarlet Fever: All You Need to Know. CDC. Updated May 10, 2023. Accessed January 31, 2024. Available at www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/scarlet-fever.html

3. Package insert: Xpert Xpress Strep A. Cepheid; 301-9326 Rev. D, 06/2019

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

87651

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
GAPCR Group A Streptococcus PCR, Throat 60489-2

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
GAPCR Group A Streptococcus PCR, Throat 60489-2