Laboratory Services

Rapid Strep A Antigen Test

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Rapid Strep A Antigen Test
Synonym(s)

Strep Throat, Rapid Strep, Strep A

Test ID
STREPA
General Information

The OSOM® Ultra Strep A Test is a color immunochromatographic assay intended for the qualitative detection of Group A Streptococcal antigen directly from throat swab specimens.

Container Type

Red top BBL CultureSwab with liquid Stuart sponge
• Do not use swabs with cotton tips, wooden shafts or calcium alginate swabs.
• Do not use a collection system that contains charcoal or semisolid/gel transport media.

Specimen Type

Throat swab

Specimen Requirements

Collect throat specimen using a dual swab in a red cap transport tube with liquid Stuart transport medium. Two (red cap) single swabs are also acceptable.

Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions

Swab the tonsils and/or the back of the throat taking care to avoid the teeth, gums, tongue or cheek surfaces.

Stability

Ambient: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours

Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Frozen, incorrect swab

Department (code)

Microbiology

Methodology

Antigen test

Estimated TAT

1 day, Reflex 2 days

Testing Schedule

Mon-Sat, & STAT

CPT Code(s)

87880, Reflex 87070

Reflex Conditions

Strep A antigen negative; reflex to Throat Culture, CULTTH

Performing Lab

Incyte Diagnostics

LOINC Code(s)

18481-2, 11268-0

Additional Information

Group A Streptococcus is one of the most important causes of acute upper respiratory tract infection. Early diagnosis and treatment of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms and further complications such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.