Epic Test Code LAB228 Throat Culture
Performing Location(s)
BMC
Specimen Type
Culture
Preferred Container
eSwab
Alternate Container
EZII swab
Specimen Collection
Depress the tongue and rub sterile culturette swab vigorously over each tonsillar area and posterior pharynx.
Any exudate should be touched, and care should be taken to avoid the tongue and uvula.
Place the swab in the Culturette and crush the ampul of Culturette to ensure proper preservation of the specimen
Storage Requirements
Refrigerate- Stable up to 72 hrs refrigerated
Transportation Needs
Transport refrigerated
Causes for Rejection
Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Sample >72 hrs old
Reference Values
Population | Units | Reference Range |
All populations | none | Normal Flora |
Reflex Testing
Organism identification and susceptibility studies are performed as appropriate, according to established protocols that have been approved by the Clinical Laboratory Director. Call Microbiology (547-3707) for details. There may be additional charges for these identification and susceptibility procedures
Days of Analysis
All
Available STAT
No
Includes
In addition to Beta Step, the culture will also be screened for Haemophilus species, Staph. Aureus, Strep. Pneumonaie, and other commonly encountered pathogens
Additional Information
Contraindications:
Current or recent antimicrobial therapy may adversely effect the recovery of certain pathogenic organisms
Methodology
Culture
CPT Code
87070
Last Updated
16-Mar-23