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Epic Test Code LAB8855 Group A Strep

Performing Location(s)

BMC,CRH,FOX,FTT,LFH,OCH

Specimen Type

Throat Swab

Preferred Container

BD BBL CultureSwab EZ II (storeroom item 554408)

 

Specimen Collection for STREP-A by ABBOTT ID NOW

 

Use BD BBL CultureSwab EZ II (storeroom item 554408) only

(This contains TWO swabs in one plastic sleeve)

 

  1. Collector must wear PPE. Use freshly collected specimens for optimal test performance. Inadequate specimen collection or improper sample handling may yield erroneous results. The test must be performed within 72 hours of collection. 
  2. Collect patient specimen by swabbing the posterior pharynx, tonsils and other inflamed areas. Avoid touching the tongue, cheeks and teeth with the swab. 
    Note: proper collection is key to obtaining accurate results.
  3. Return swabs to the plastic sleeve, and firmly seat the cap.
    Do NOT put into Viral Transport Media or Saline.
  4. All tubes must be labeled with patient first and last name, DOB, and date of collection. If computer labels are not available at collection, hand label with patient’s first and last name, date of birth or MRN (if known). HAND WRITE DATE AND TIME OF COLLECTION AND INITIALS of collector.

Transportation Needs

Deliver specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible. Specimen stable at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 72 hours. 

Reference Values

Result

Interpretation

Negative

 Negative for Group A Strep nucleic acid.

Positive

Positive for Group A Strep nucleic acid. 

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimens
Specimen in VTM or Saline
>72 hours at room temp or refrigerated
E-Swab in liquid Amies Media
Cotton or Standard Rayon swab

Storage Requirements

Place collected, properly labeled specimens into a specimen bag. Transport immediately to the testing area. Sample may be room temerature or refrigerated for up to 72 hours after collection. 

Limitations

  • For optimal performance, use the specimen collection swabs provided in the test kit. Analytical studies have demonstrated the rayon swabs and BBL CultureSwab Liquid Stuart Medium are not suitable for use with this assay and may produce false negative results. 
  • ID NOW Strep A 2 does not distinguish between viable and nonviable organisms.
  • Performance of ID Now Strep A 2 has not been established for monitoring treatment of pharyngitis caused by Group A Strep
  • ID Now Strep A 2 will not differentiate asymptomatic carriers of Group A Strep from those exhibiting streptococcal infection.
  • False results may occur if a Sample Receiver for an assay other than ID NOW Strep A 2 is used.
  • Additional follow-up testing using the culture method is required if the result is negative and clinical symptoms persist, or in the event of an acute rheumatic fever (ARF) outbreak. 

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes

Methodology

Isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology for the qualitative detection of Strep A viral RNA using the Abbott ID Now analyzer. 

CPT Code

87651

Last Updated

4-JAN-24 MS