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Test Code GASNAT Group A Strep Nucleic Acid Test

Useful For

This test is useful as a qualitative, diagnostictest for the detection of Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep, Strep A) acutepharyngitis infections.  Definitive testing results are provided withoutthe need for follow up culture.

Synonyms/Keywords

GASNAT, Strep A, Streptococcal A, Streptococcus pyogenes, Group A Strep

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
Throat Specimen ESwab-purpletop   1 Swab 1 Swab 1 Swab

 

Acceptable Body Sites

Throat

Acceptable Specimen Types

ESwab

Collection/Processing Instructions

  • Use the ESwab (purple top-480CFA) Collection and Transport System. Remove the swab from the wrapper.
  • Swab the posterior pharynx, tonsil, and other inflamed areas. Avoid touching the tongue, cheeks, and teeth with the swab when collecting specimens.
  • Uncap the ESwab transport tube.
  • Place the specimen containing swab into the ESwab transport tube and break the swab at the indicated score line.
  • Cap the ESwab transport tube.

Note: If patient is presenting at MMC-Marshfield Pediatrics department do not order this test.  Order Group A Strep by PCR, Point of Care (GASNATP)

 

NOTE 2:  If patient is presenting at a regional lab site that continues to perform rapid antigen testing and uses PCR from a central laboratory for confirmation of negative samples please collect two swabs by the following process: 

  • Remove a Puritan polyester swab from the rapid antigen kit and a flocked swab from the ESwab kit.  Simultaneously swab the throat with the two swabs.  Place the Puritan swab back in the wrapper for RAGT testing.  Place the flocked swab into the ESwab tube and break off the shaft at the red score point. If the RADT is negative, refer the ESwab for confirmatory testing by PCR.

Specimen Stability Information

 

Specimen Type

 

ESwab- purple Top Temperature Time
15-30C 48 hours
2-8C 6 days

 

Rejection Criteria

Sourcesother than throat
Specimensexposed to excessive heat
Woodedshafted swabs
Calciumalginate swabs
Cotton-tippedswabs
Frozenswabs
Leakingspecimens

Test Information

Additionally follow-up testing by culture is required if the Xpert Xpress Strep A test results is negative and clinical symptoms persist, or there is an outbreak of acute rheumatic fever.

 

'ESwab' is a trademark of Copan Diagnostics.

Interferences

To reduce the potential for false negative results, do not collect throat swab specimens immediately after patients have used antiseptic mouthwash

Interpretations

Positive,Negative, or Indeterminate

Reference Range Information

Performing Location Reference Range
All Performing Sites No Streptococcal A detected

Marshfield Labs Performing Department

Marshfield Labs Molecular Pathology

Performing Information

Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Beaver Dam Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Chetek Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Chippewa Falls Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Colby/Abbotsford Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Cumberland Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Eau Claire Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Greenwood Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Hayward Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Ladysmith Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Lake Hallie Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Marshfield Labs-Microbiology Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Marshfield Clinic-Pediatrics Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Minocqua Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Menomonie Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Merrill Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Mosinee Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Neillsville Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Oakwood Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Phillips Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Park Falls Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Rice Lake Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Stettin Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Stevens Point Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Wausau Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Weston Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
Wisconsin Rapids Monday through Sunday 1 hour Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)

CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
87651 QW      

Outreach CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
87651        

Ordering Applications

Ordering Application Description
Cerner Group A Strep Nucleic Acid Test