The primary cause of bacterial pharyngitis is Streptococcus pyogenes, and on occasion Streptococcus Group C and Group G. Other organisms are usually not causative agents of disease but may be involved in the colonization of the upper respiratory tract or may represent a carrier state. It is recommended that the Strep Group A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (see STRA NAAT) be ordered due to the highest sensitivity and rapid turn around time within 24 hours. Refer to the Strep Group A/Pyogenic Strep Culture (see C GRP A) for culture testing. If gonococcal pharyngitis is suspected, refer to the Neisseria gonorrhoeae culture (see C GC).
Test Includes
Culture, including isolation and identification (additional charges/CPT code[s] may apply)
Collect
Bacterial Culture Swab with Liquid Transport (ESwab, Amies, or Stuart's), Bacterial Culture Swab with Gel Transport (Amie's Gel)
Specimen Preparation
THROAT: Collect specimen using bacterial culture swab. Swab both tonsillar areas, posterior pharynx and any areas of inflammation, ulceration, or exudation.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Room Temperature
Unacceptable Conditions
Inappropriate specimen, inappropriate transport device, delay in transport
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Ambient: 48 hours
Remarks
For detection of Streptococcus Group A and Streptococcus Group C/G only, molecular testing is recommended. See Streptococcus Group A Nucleic Acid Amplified Test (STRA NAAT).
Performed
Monday - Sunday
Reported
Preliminary: Negative at 24 hours. Positive results reported as organism(s) are detected.
Final: Negative 48 hours. Positive upon completion of all organism identification.
Methodology
Culture
Reference Interval
Negative
Laboratory
Microbiology
Synonyms
Pharyngitis culture
C THR
Last Updated
5/4/2018
CPT Codes
87070
PDM
6000515
Specimen Collection
Ordering Recommendations
The primary cause of bacterial pharyngitis is Streptococcus pyogenes, and on occasion Streptococcus Group C and Group G. Other organisms are usually not causative agents of disease but may be involved in the colonization of the upper respiratory tract or may represent a carrier state. It is recommended that the Strep Group A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (see STRA NAAT) be ordered due to the highest sensitivity and rapid turn around time within 24 hours. Refer to the Strep Group A/Pyogenic Strep Culture (see C GRP A) for culture testing. If gonococcal pharyngitis is suspected, refer to the Neisseria gonorrhoeae culture (see C GC).
Test Includes
Culture, including isolation and identification (additional charges/CPT code[s] may apply)
Collect
Bacterial Culture Swab with Liquid Transport (ESwab, Amies, or Stuart's), Bacterial Culture Swab with Gel Transport (Amie's Gel)
Specimen Preparation
THROAT: Collect specimen using bacterial culture swab. Swab both tonsillar areas, posterior pharynx and any areas of inflammation, ulceration, or exudation.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Room Temperature
Unacceptable Conditions
Inappropriate specimen, inappropriate transport device, delay in transport
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Ambient: 48 hours
Remarks
For detection of Streptococcus Group A and Streptococcus Group C/G only, molecular testing is recommended. See Streptococcus Group A Nucleic Acid Amplified Test (STRA NAAT).
Result Information
Performed
Monday - Sunday
Reported
Preliminary: Negative at 24 hours. Positive results reported as organism(s) are detected.
Final: Negative 48 hours. Positive upon completion of all organism identification.
