Throat source only. For other sources, order an Aerobic Culture (AERCU) and specify looking for Beta Strep in the comments.
Unacceptable Conditions
Nonsterile or leaking container, frozen specimens, swabs older than 72 hours.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Store and transport at room temperature.
Performed
Microbiology. Daily.
Notes
The most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A).Beta hemolytic streptococci groups C and G have been shown to cause exudative pharyngitis/pharyngotonsillitis in rare cases depending on the season and geographical area. These infections are implicated as a possible cause of serious complications including rheumatic fever in previously healthy children and adults. Other bacteria suggested but not well documented as etiological agents of pharyngitis include beta hemolytic streptococci groups B and F and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Due to the lack of consensus on the importance of these organisms in the cause of pharyngitis, they are reported if seen in any amount in addition to reporting positive or negative for Group A streptococci.
Performed
Microbiology. Daily.
Methodology
Standard reference procedures for aerobic bacterial culture and identification.
Reported
Preliminary report at 1 day, final report at 2 days.
Synonyms
Group A Strep Culture
Reference Interval
Negative for Group A Streptococcus.
CPT Codes
87081
Test Build Information
Below is the standard RPS build for microbiology cultures. EHR_EMR formatting can be different for some vendors. Please contact RPS Interface Support (RPSInterfaceSupport@unmc.edu) for specific information for the vendor specific formatting.
Throat source only. For other sources, order an Aerobic Culture (AERCU) and specify looking for Beta Strep in the comments.
Unacceptable Conditions
Nonsterile or leaking container, frozen specimens, swabs older than 72 hours.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Store and transport at room temperature.
Performed
Microbiology. Daily.
Notes
The most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A).Beta hemolytic streptococci groups C and G have been shown to cause exudative pharyngitis/pharyngotonsillitis in rare cases depending on the season and geographical area. These infections are implicated as a possible cause of serious complications including rheumatic fever in previously healthy children and adults. Other bacteria suggested but not well documented as etiological agents of pharyngitis include beta hemolytic streptococci groups B and F and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Due to the lack of consensus on the importance of these organisms in the cause of pharyngitis, they are reported if seen in any amount in addition to reporting positive or negative for Group A streptococci.
Ordering
Performed
Microbiology. Daily.
Methodology
Standard reference procedures for aerobic bacterial culture and identification.
Reported
Preliminary report at 1 day, final report at 2 days.
Synonyms
Group A Strep Culture
Result Interpretation
Reference Interval
Negative for Group A Streptococcus.
Administrative
CPT Codes
87081
RPS Interface Information
Test Build Information
Below is the standard RPS build for microbiology cultures. EHR_EMR formatting can be different for some vendors. Please contact RPS Interface Support (RPSInterfaceSupport@unmc.edu) for specific information for the vendor specific formatting.
