Throat Culture Build info

Synonyms

• THROAT CULTURE
• DYSGALACTIAE
• ARCANOBACTERIUM HAEMOLYTICUM
• CULTURE - THROAT, SPECIAL
• LAB228

Short Name

CULTURE, THROAT

Procedure Master Number

LAB228

Procedure ID

1104

Clinical Info

For routine throat cultures, order "Group A Streptococcus Culture, Throat". The "Throat Culture" order will report all beta-hemolytic Streptococci and Arcanobacterium.

Specimen Sources

Specimen Types

Container

Swab

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

Methodology

Microbiology Culture
Examined for beta hemolytic streptococci and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum

Days Performed

Monday through Sunday

Performing Laboratory

Northwell Health Laboratorie
If culture is positive, additional charge(s)/CPT code(s) may apply for identification
and/or antibiotic susceptibilities performed when appropriate.

CPT

87070

PDM

Only Orderable at Locations:

Results