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HelpTest Code LAB6005 Culture, Predominating Bacterial Organism (Without Rapid Screen), Throat
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| CULTURE, THROAT COMPREHENSIVE | LAB6005 | Throat Cx |
Useful For/Utility
Diagnosis of the etiologic agents of pharyngitis by culture.
Clinical Information
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) accounts for 30% of pharyngitis cases in children aged 5-15 years but only 10% of adult cases. Other bacterial causes of pharyngitis include group C and G beta-hemolytic streptococci, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. However, most cases of pharyngitis have a viral etiology. In children, the most worrisome complications of GAS infection are acute rheumatic fever, acute glomerulonephritis, and peritonsillar abscess. Antimicrobial therapy alleviates pharyngeal symptoms and prevents some of the sequela of infection.
Specimen Requirements
Whenever possible, culture specimens should be obtained before antibiotics or antimicrobial agents have been administered.
Specimen Type: Liquid Amies Elution Swab (ESwab) Copan 480C, Copan 480CE
Container/Tube: Liquid Amies Elution Swab (ESwab) Copan 480C, Copan 480CE
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions:
1. Calcium alginate swab, cotton-tipped swab, wooden-shaft swab, or swab with agar-based transport media is not acceptable.
2. Obtain specimen using a bacterial culture swab.
3. Return swab to pre-moistened transport tube. Dry swab is not acceptable.
Additional Information:
1. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and source/type of specimen.
2. If there is a delay in transport of >24 hours, process specimen as follows:
a. Inoculate and streak a blood agar plate (BAP) and chocolate (CHOC) agar plate.
b. Apply SXT disc to BAP and place plate in a GasPak Pouch. Place CHOC plate in a Bio-Bag type C.
c. Incubate both plates at 33° C to 37° C.
d. Transport to the laboratory within 72 hours.
3. Specimen source is required.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient/Refrigerate 24 hrs/Frozen NO
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Microbiology -
St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab
SMDC Clinical Lab, Virginia Hospital Lab
Fargo Hospital Lab, Fosston Hospital Lab, St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes Hospital Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
87070
Additional CPT codes will be billed when appropriate.
Reference Values
24-48 hours to final report