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Test Code LAB228 Comprehensive Throat Culture

Important Note

For detection of Group A Streptococcus, the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis in North America, the preferred test method is PCR. Please order Strep A PCR.

Performing Lab

Microbiology

Ordering Recommendations

This test may recover common bacterial agents of pharyngitis including Group A Streptococcus, Group C Streptococcus, Group G Streptococcus, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, and yeast.

This test will not recover other agents of pharyngitis, including N. gonorrhoeae, C. diphteriae, and viruses.

Collect

E swab or culturette swab of throat.

A throat swab taken from the tonsillary area and/or posterior pharynx. Care should be taken to avoid the tongue and uvula.

Collection Device

E swab or culturette

Stability (from collection to initiation)

Up to 48 hours at room temperature.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Store at room temperature.

Methodology

Conventional culture

Last Review Date

06/15/2026

Interpretation

  1. Any amount of GAS recovered in the culture is considered significant and is reported.
  2. Recovery of other types of beta strep (C,G) are only reported if that is the predominant organism.
  3. Cultures in which no pathogens are recovered are resulted as "(Quantity) Normal flora"

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