Throat Culture C TH

Synonyms

Allscripts (AEHR) Order Name

Culture, Throat

Sunrise Clinical Manager (SCM) Order Name

Culture - Group A Streptococcus

EPIC Order Name

Group A Streptococcus Culture, Throat

Clinical Info

For the detection of Group A Streptococcus in throat cultures only.

Specimen Type

Swab, Respiratory

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

Up to 3 days at room temperature

Specimen Stability

Up to 3 days at room temperature

Methodology

Days Performed

Monday through Sunday

Performing Laboratory

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

CPT

87081

PDM

6201165

Result Interpretation

No beta streptococcus group A

Forms