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HelpTest Code RAPST Rapid Strep Screen
Useful For
A qualitative test for the detection of strep A antigen from throat swab specimens to aid in the the diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal infection.
Synonyms/Keywords
Rapid Group A Strep, Group A Strep Antigen
Specimen Requirements
| Specimen Type | Preferred Container/Tube | Acceptable Container/Tube | Specimen Volume | Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat) |
Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swab | See below | See below | See below |
Collection/Processing Instructions
Remove a polyester swab provided in the rapid antigen kit and flocked swab from the purple ESwab™ kit. Using both swabs, simultaneously swab the posterior pharynx, tonsils and inflamed areas.
Avoid touching the tongue, cheeks, teeth and any areas that are bleeding with the swab.
Place the polyester swab back in the wrapper for rapid antigen testing. Place the flocked swab into the ESwab™ tube and break off the shaft at the red score point.
If the RAPST is negative, refer the ESwab™ for confirmatory testing by PCR to the nearest performing site.
Notes:
- Two swabs are always required to perform both rapid antigen and if needed, confirmatory PCR testing.
- Swabs in Amies gel and ESwab are not acceptable for the rapid antigen detection.
- Dry swabs must be delivered to the local lab within 4 hours of collection.
- Puritan polyester swabs cannot be used to perform the follow up PCR testing.
See ESwab collection video for more information
For more information on Specimen Collection Media/Swab, see Specimen Transport Pictorial.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dry swab | Room Temperature | < 4 hours |
Rejection Criteria
| Specimens from a source other than the throat |
| Wooden shafted swabs |
| Calcium alginate swabs |
| Cotton-tipped swabs |
| Swabs submitted in semisolid media (e.g. blue cap CultureSwab Plus) |
| Dry swabs > 4 hours old |
| Dry swab for confirmatory culture |
| Leaking specimens |
Test Information
Negative Antigen tests will be confirmed with a follow up by PCR.
Request for culture of Group A Streptococcus only without antigen testing should be ordered as Culture, Group A Strep Only (GAS).
Requests for other beta-hemolytic Streptococci or Arcanobacterium haemolyticum should be ordered as Culture, Strep, Throat Only (STR).
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| All Performing Sites | Negative |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Microbiology
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomer | Monday through Friday | Less than 2 hours | Lateral Flow Membrane Immunoassay |
| Cadott | Monday through Friday | Less than 2 hours | Lateral Flow Membrane Immunoassay |
| Clairemont | Monday through Friday | Less than 2 hours | Lateral Flow Membrane Immunoassay |
| Cornell | Monday through Friday | Less than 2 hours | Lateral Flow Membrane Immunoassay |
| Eagle River | Monday through Friday | Less than 2 hours | Lateral Flow Membrane Immunoassay |
| Rhinelander | Monday through Friday | Less than 2 hours | Lateral Flow Membrane Immunoassay |
| Stratford | Monday through Friday | Less than 2 hours | Lateral Flow Membrane Immunoassay |
| Wittenberg | Monday through Friday | Less than 2 hours | Lateral Flow Membrane Immunoassay |
CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87880 | QW | Rapid Group A Strep |
|
|
| 87651 | QW | as needed |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cerner | Rapid Strep Antigen |