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Test Code
STGRA
Test Name
Group A Strep, Throat, PCR
CPT Codes
87651
Included Tests

Group A Strep, Throat, PCR
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 4 hours
Clinical Utility

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) pharyngitis
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen: Throat Swab

Collection Container: Purple Cap Eswab

Desired Volume: 1 mL

Acceptable Minimum Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions
  1. Use the ESwab Collection and Transport System (Copan catalog number 480CFA).
  2. Remove the swab from the wrapper.
  3. Swab the posterior pharynx, tonsils, and other inflamed areas. Avoid touching the tongue, cheeks, and teeth with the swab when collecting specimens.
  4. Uncap the ESwab transport tube.
  5. Place the specimen containing swab into the ESwab transport tube and break the swab at the indicated score line.
  6. Cap the ESwab transport tube.
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

48 hours

Refrigerated

6 days
Methodology
Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reference Intervals

Not Detected
Performing Location
Gilbertsville Hospital, Jefferson Pocono Creek Hospital, Macungie Hospital
Alternate Names

Group A Strep, Throat, PCR
Testing Schedule
STAT testing only
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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