Streptococcus Group A Antigen, Adult
Test Code: 11479
CPT Code(s): 87880
Clinical Significance: Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes) is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis ("Strep throat") causing local pharyngeal pain, adenopathy, and fever. In addition, it is important to treat infections caused by this virulent organism in order to avoid potential, morbid complications including peritonsillar and retropharyngeal abscesses, bacteremia, rheumatic fever, and acute glomerulonephritis. Group A Streptococcus, however, may also be isolated in small numbers as part of the oropharyngeal flora of asymptomatic carriers.
Methodology: Immunochromatography
Alternative Name(s): Strep A Ag, Rapid Strep, GAS Ag
Supply: #S12 ESwabTM Specimen Collection and Transport System - White Cap
Preferred Specimen: Collect throat specimen #S12 ESwabTM Specimen Collection and Transport System - White Cap
- Collect throat specimen in an ESwabTM Specimen Collection and Transport System - White Cap or dry swab transport
Note: Patient must be greater than 18 years of age. This code does not include reflex to culture for negative results.
Alternate Specimen: Tonsils, Posterior pharynx
Minimum Volume: 1 swab
Transport Container: Transport System - White Cap
Transport Temperature: Room temperature
- Room Temperature: 48 hours
- Refrigerated: 48 hours
- Frozen: Unacceptable
- Cotton tip or calcium alginate swabs
- swabs containing charcoal or semi-solid media
- swabs with wooden shafts
- expired transport device
- frozen
- Swabs submitted in transports not listed as acceptable
- Swabs from sources not listed as acceptable
For additional supply or collection device information, please contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed.