Throat Culture

Synonyms	ARCANOBACTERIUM HAEMOLYTICUM CULTURE - THROAT, SPECIAL DYSGALACTIAE LAB228 THROAT CULTURE
Cerner Name	Throat Culture Special
Clinical Info	This culture screens for beta-hemolytic Streptococcus groups A, B, C and G, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, Neisseria gonorrheae and Neisseria meningitidis. Susceptibilities are not routinely performed.
Specimen Sources	Oropharynx/Throat
Specimen Types	Swab
Specimen Volume
Container	ESwab
Collection Instructions	1. Obtain specimen using a culture transport swab. 2. Tilt patient’s head back to assist in opening of mouth as wide as possible. 3. Depress tongue with a tongue depressor so swab does not touch oral mucosa or tongue. 4. If patient has complained of 1 spot being sore, swab that area well. 5. In 1 continuous motion: A. Swab 1 tonsillar area up then down. B. Move to back of throat as far down as possible and swab there. C. Move to other tonsillar area and swab. D. Swab behind uvula and remove swab. 6. Return swab to sterile culture transport tube to ensure specimen preservation. 7. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. 8. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Transport Instructions
Specimen Stability	Up to 72 hours at ambient temperature
Methodology	Microbiology Culture Examined for beta hemolytic streptococci and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum
Days Performed	Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratories	Northwell Health Laboratories If culture is positive, additional charge(s)/CPT code(s) may apply for identification and/or susceptibilities.
CPT	87070
PDM	6201168
Results
Result Interpretation Routine respiratory flora
Forms