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Test Code TC Group B Streptococcus & Haemophilus influenzae, Throat Culture

Important Note

Patients <= 5 years of age will also be tested for Group A Streptococcus

Performing Location

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

Specimen Collection Information

Specimen  Min. Test Volume Collection Container Special Handling
Throat swab

 

 Dual-Swab Culturette

Crush ampule of transport media to moisten swab. Dry swabs are not suitable for processing.

Reference Ranges & Critical Values

Assay Gender Age Range Normal Range Critical Values Units
TC ALL 0 Minutes – 150 Years No Group A Streptococcus isolated, no Haemophilus influenzae isolated.    

Collection Instructions

  1. Depress tongue gently with a tongue depressor.

  2. Extend the sterile dual swab between the tonsillar pillars and behind the uvula. Avoid touching the cheeks, tongue, uvula, or lips.

  3. Sweep the swabs back and forth across the posterior pharynx, tonsillar areas and any inflamed or ulcerated areas to obtain sample.

  4. Replace the swabs in the transport tube and crush the ampule of transort media. THE AMPULE MUST BE CRUSHED so the transport media moistens the end of the swab to insure the viability of the microorganisms.

  5. THROAT CULTURE <5 YRS includes culture for group A Streptococcus and also for Haemophilus influenzae.

  6. THROAT CULTURE will be done ONLY IF the patient's age is indicated as 5 years or younger and/or the clinical presentation indicates croup or acute epiglottitis.

Day(s) Performed

Monday - Sunday

  • Final results available in 3 days

CPT

87070

LOINC

626-2