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HelpStreptococcus A - PCR
Performing Lab(s)
Memorial Bellevillle & Memoiral Shiloh
Specimen Requirements
Acceptable Specimen:
Pharyngel swab in ESwab Colelction and transport System.
Collection Procedure:
1. Use the ESwab Collection and Transport System. Remove the swab from the wrapper.
2. Swab the posterior pharynx, tonsils, and other inflamed areas. Avoid touching the tongue, cheeks, and teeth with the swab when collecting specimens.
3. Uncap the ESwab transport tube.
4. Place the specimen containing swab into the ESwab transport tube and break the swab at the indicated score line.
5. Cap the ESwab transport tube.
6. Send speciemn to lab for testing.
Day(s)/Shift(s) Tests Set up and Turnaround Time.
Sunday through Saturday
Hours: 24 hours
Turnaround Time:
STAT: 60 minutes
Routine: N/A
Transport and Stability
Transport temperature: Ambient to lab
Analyte Stability:
Ambient: 48 Hours
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: N/A
Reference Values
Strep Group A: Negative
Interpretive Data
This test is performed using the Cepheid Xpert Group A Streptococcal Assay. This is a qualitative, real-time PCR assay that detects Group A Strep using throat specimens from patients suspected of having streptococcal pharyngitis. This assay does not detect other beta-hemolytic streptococci including Group C or Group G. Group C and G have been associated with pharyngitis and, occasionally, acute nephritis but do not cause rheumatic fever. If suspected, order Throat Culture, Routine.
This assay has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration, and its performance characteristics have been verified by the performing laboratory.