Streptococcus Group A Culture
Test Code: 4485
CPT Code(s): 87081
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.
Includes: If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge, (CPT code(s): 87077 or 87140 or 87143 or 87147 or 87149).
Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).
Methodology: Bacterial Culture, Aerobic Routine Isolation and Identification Procedures; susceptibility testing not routinely performed
Alternative Name(s): Streptococcus, Group A, Culture, Group A Strep
Supply: #S12 ESwabTM Specimen Collection and Transport System - White Cap
Preferred Specimen: #S12 ESwabTM Specimen Collection and Transport System - White Cap
- Ask the patient to open their mouth and say “Ahh”.
- Gently depress the tongue with a tongue depressor.
- Guide the swab over the tongue to the posterior pharynx.
- Gently swab the mucosa behind the uvula and between the tonsillar pillars back and forth.
- Remove the swab without touching the tongue, uvula, or lips.
Transport Container: Transport System - White Cap
Transport Temperature: Room temperature
- Room temperature: 48 hours
- Refrigerated: 48 hours
- Frozen: Unnacceptable
- Dry swabs
- Specimens submitted in transports not listed as acceptable
- Swabs from sources other than those 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.