Group A Streptococcus
Brief Description
The Bacteriology Unit accepts specimens from public health care providers for the detection of Group A Streptococcus and other beta-hemolytic streptococci from throat, sterile body fluids and wound swabs (suspected case of necrotizing fasciitis). Reference cultures will be accepted for identification and/or serogrouping of beta-hemolytic streptococci. Culture is the method used for isolation of the organism, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and latex agglutination is used for confirmation and serogrouping isolates.
Laboratory Unit
Bacteriology
Methodology
- Culture
- MALDI-TOF
- Serogrouping by latex agglutination
Specimen Collection
ESwab:
Place swab in commercial nonnutritive transport media such as Amies (ex. swab).
Storage/Transport
ESwabs can be maintained at room temperature (15-30°C) during transit within 48 hours of collection. If immediate delivery or processing is delayed, then specimens should be stored and shipped refrigerated (2-8 °C).
Acceptable Specimen Type(s)
- Throat, wound swabs
- Isolates from sterile sources
Test Request
- GPHL Apollo Web Portal
-
Web
Portal Instructions
- For manual orders, download the
GPHL
Submission Form
Possible Results
- Positive
- Negative
- Test Not Performed
- Unsatisfactory
Reference Range
Negative
Unacceptable Conditions
- Missing testing requisition
- Missing minimum of 2 patient identifiers
- Improper labeling
- Improper storage/transport of specimen
- No specimen received (empty collection tube).
- Wrong specimen type
- Specimens damaged, broken, or leaking upon arrival
Interfering Substances
N/A
Result Reported
2 business days
Fees
LOINC/Order Codes
38353-9 (Order code: 1030)