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Test Code POCGASPCR POC Group A Strep PCR  

Specimen and Container/Tube

Specimen Type: Pharynx, tonsils throat swab

Preferred Specimen: ESwab

Other Acceptable specimens: N/A

Specimen Stability

Storage Temperature

Stability

Room temperature

(15-30 oC)

Up to 48 hours

 

Refrigerated

(2-8 oC)

 Up to 6 days

Frozen

 Not Acceptable

Collection Instructions

1. Using a sterile collection Copan Liquid Amies ESwab transport system swab, swab the patient’s posterior pharynx, tonsils, and other inflamed areas avoiding the tongue, cheeks, and teeth.

2. Label the ESwab appropriately with patient demographic information.

Note: All samples should be treated as potentially infectious. Use appropriate safety precautions including gloves & lab coat.

Specimen Handling and Transport Instructions

UCMC Onsite Instructions: 

Collect specimen per standard collection procedure and perform test immediately. If testing is delayed refrigerate specimen until ready to test.

 

UCMC Offsite and UC MedLab Outreach Instructions: 

Collect specimen per standard collection procedure and perform test immediately. If testing is delayed refrigerate specimen until ready to test.

Rejection Criteria

Incorrect specimen type, insufficient volume, incorrect collection container, missing or incomplete specimen identifiers, incorrect specimen transport material, or specimens outside stability limits. 

Reference Values

 

Test

Age

Sex

Reference Range

POC Group A Strep PCR

 

All

 

All

 

Not Detected

Turnaround Time

STAT Turnaround Time: N/A

Routine Turnaround Time: N/A

Testing Schedule: 7 days a week

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).

Methodology

GeneXpert® Instrument Systems automated PCR

CPT Codes

87651

LOINC Codes

60489-2

Synonyms/Keyword Search

POC Group A Strep

POC Streptococcus Pyogens

Last Review Date

4/3/2026

Critical Values

Analyte

Unit

Low

High

Age

POC Group A Strep PCR

NA

NA

NA

NA

Test Components

Group A Strep

Additional Information

  • Results should always be assessed in conjunction with patient's medical history, clinical examination and other findings.

Volume

Preferred Volume: 1 mL

Minimum Volume: 300 microliters