Laboratory Services

Culture, Throat

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Culture, Throat
Synonym(s)

Throat Culture, Beta Strep Culture, Group A strep, Strep Throat, Tonsillitis

Test ID
CULTTH
General Information

Identify Group A Strep and other significant bacterial pathogens from throat specimen

Specimen Type

Throat

Specimen Requirements

Bacterial Culture Transport Swab w/gel, Amies Transport swab, other transport systems also accepted.

Stability

Ambient: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours

Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Unacceptable specimen transport device (including Incyte Swab, specimen in formalin, expired), improper labeling, prolonged delay in transport (greater than 24 hours)

Methodology

Culture

Estimated TAT

2-3 days. Positive culture reported as soon as detected.

Testing Schedule

Monday-Saturday

CPT Code(s)

87070

Reference Range

No Group A Strep or significant bacterial pathogens isolated.

Reflex Conditions

None

Performing Lab

Incyte Diagnostics

LOINC Code(s)

547-0

Additional Information

Organism identification is billed separately from the culture.