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Test Code GASPCR Group A Strep PCR, Throat

Important Note

Replaces Beta Strep Culture, Throat (BSTR)

Infectious

Specimen and Container/Tube

Specimen Type: Pharynx, tonsils

Preferred Specimen: ESwab

Other Acceptable specimens: BBL CultureSwab Plus

Specimen Stability

Storage Temperature

Stability

Room temperature

(20 - 25°C)

48 hours

Refrigerated

(2 - 10°C)

 6 days

Frozen

(-20°C)

not acceptable

Collection Instructions

Specimen Collection: Swab areas of exudation, membrane formation, or inflammation. Rub tonsillar crypts vigorously. Avoid touching oral mucosa or tongue with swab.


Specimen Transport: Immediate

Specimen Handling and Transport Instructions

UCMC Onsite Instructions: Collect specimen per standard collection procedure and send to laboratory immediately. 

 

UCMC Offsite and UC MedLab Outreach Instructions: Collect specimen per standard collection procedure and send to laboratory immediately. If transport is delayed, refrigerate specimens prior to transport.

Rejection Criteria

  • Common specimen rejected situations include: incorrect specimen type, insufficient volume, incorrect collection container, missing or incomplete specimen identifiers, incorrect specimen transport, or specimens outside stability limits. 

Reference Values

 

Test

Age

Sex

Reference Range

Strep A PCR

All

All

Not Detected

Turnaround Time

Turnaround times are relative to the time the specimen is received in the test laboratory. 

STAT Turnaround Time: not available

Routine Turnaround Time: 24 hours

Testing Schedule: Monday - Sunday

Clinical Indications

  • Aid in the diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis in throat swab specimens from patients with signs and symptoms of pharyngitis.
  • Additional follow-up testing by culture is required if the Xpert Xpress Strep A test result is negative and clinical symptoms persist, or there is an outbreak of acute rheumatic fever (ARF).

CPT Codes

87651

LOINC Codes

60489-2

Methodology

GeneXpert® Instrument Systems automated PCR

Synonyms/Keyword Search

GROUP A STREP, BETA STREP, STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES, BSAP

Last Review Date

10/03/2025