Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories

Group A Strep PCR

Test Code

STRPA

Description

Streptococcus pyogenes (also known as group A strep, or GAS) is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis. In rare cases, untreated GAS can lead to invasive disease. This is a PCR test that can quickly determine the presence of GAS from a throat swab. It does not need culture confirmation.

Collect

Oropharyngeal swab: Note that Eswabs are the only acceptable collection device. Swab the posterior pharynx, tonsils, and other inflamed areas in the throat. Avoid touching the tongue, cheeks, and teeth with the swab. Use Copan Liquid Amies Elution Swab ("ESwabs") Collection and Transport System (480C, 480CE, or 480CFA) only. Uncap the Eswab transport tube and insert the swab into the liquid and break the swab at the scored line. Cap tube and transport to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Preferred volume: 1 mL (amount of liquid that comes in the Eswab)

Minimum Volume: 0.3 mL

Patient Prep

Do not use mouth wash immediately prior to the collection. Mouth wash can cause false negative results.

Unacceptable Conditions

Specimens received outside of temperature storage requirements
Specimens received outside of stability time frame
Specimens not received in Eswab
Specimens in expired transport media
Specimens from a source not acceptable for this testing
Specimens that do not meet the minimum volume requirement
Specimens that are excessively leaking
Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen

Stability

For optimal recovery of potential pathogens, specimens should arrive within 2 hours at room temperature (20-25°C)
If transportation is delayed, specimens may remain at room temperature (20-25°C) for a maximum of 48 hours
If long delays are anticipated, specimens must be refrigerated (2-8°C) for a maximum of 6 days

Performed

7 days a week from 8am to 6pm

Methodology

Real-time PCR.

Turnaround Time

< 24 hours

Department

Microbiology Lab

Synonyms

Streptococcus pyogenes, GAS, Strep, Qualitative NAAT

Study Offerings

RUO
CAP/CLIA