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Strep Throat PCR

Alternate Name: Group_ACG_Strp

  | Strep PCR Throat

SAL Code:

2024

Turn Around Time:

1 Day

Setup:

Daily

Department:

Strep Throat PCR

Performing Laboratory:

Sherman Abrams Laboratory

Methodology:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Specimen Requirements:

Primary Tube:

Copan E-Swab

Primary Substance:

E-Swab

Temperature

Period

Stable Ambient:

1 Day

Stable Fridge:

7 Days

Rejection Criteria:

Improper labeling, expired collection devices, leaking containers, obvious PCR inhibitors, samples that fail internal controls for having sufficient DNA, any collection devices besides the E-Swab with Amies fluid.

Clinical Info:

Streptococcal pharyngitis (“strep throat”) is a common bacterial infection of the throat caused primarily by Group A Streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes), but also caused by Group C and Group G Streptococci. Classic symptoms of strep throat are sore throat, fever, malaise, and headache. Diagnosis should be made based on symptoms, physical findings, and diagnostic procedures. A streptococcal infection can be identified by rapid antigen testing (SAL# 90165), traditional culture (SAL# 1104), and by a PCR method (SAL# 2024). This test is a Real-Time PCR assay designed to detect and differentiate the DNA for Group A ß-hemolytic Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) and Group C/G ß-hemolytic Streptococcus from throat swabs collected from patients with signs and symptoms of pharyngitis.

Additional Information:

The Strep Throat PCR test is a qualitative, multiplex real-time PCR assay that uses targeted DNA probes for in vitro detection and differentiation of Group A Strep and Group C/G Strep in throat samples obtained from patients with symptoms of pharyngitis.

Sample Collection:

Collect the samples using the E-swab transport kit. Patients should open their mouth as wide as possible to allow for optimal collection. Use a tongue depressor to prevent the swab from touching oral mucosa or the tongue. Swab the back of the throat including the tonsillar area as well as behind the uvula. Return the swab to the sterile culture transport tube (E-swab container) immediately, taking care not to touch any other surfaces in the process. Label the tube with the patient's first and last name, date of birth, and collection time and date.

Test Limitations:

1) A negative result does not preclude infection with either Group A or pyogenic Group C/G Streptococci and should not be the sole basis of treatment decision. Please consider the patient's entire clinical presentation when determining any medical intervention.
2) Improper collection, storage, or transport may lead to false negative or false positive results.
3) Inhibitors present in the sample may lead to false negative results.
4) Additional follow-up testing using a traditional culture method (SAL# 1104) is recommended if the PCR results are negative and clinical symptoms persist.

Specimen Handling Instructions:

Maintain at ambient temperature; or refrigerated if testing will occur more that 24 hours from collection.

Test Information:

Components:

Component Name CPT Loinc
Group A Strep PCR 87651 60489-2
Group C/G Strep PCR 87798 70068-2

Brooklyn Navy Yard
Building 292, Suite 416
63 Flushing Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

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