Throat Culture

Test Name	Throat Culture
Alternate Name(s)	Group A Streptococcus culture
Laboratory Module	Microbiology
Ordering Mnemonic	THROAT
Specimen Type	Throat swab
Collection Container	Amies Transport Media
Container Information	Amies Transport Media
Collection Information	The nurse or physician will take a swab of the throat area. The swab is then quickly transferred to the transport media. The specimen is then labeled appropriately and then sent to the laboratory. Enter appropriate response for Penicillin allergy query.
Test Schedule	Daily
Routine Turnaround Time	Preliminary: 24 hours Final: 72 hours
Stat Turnaround Time	Preliminary: 24 hours Final: 72 hours
Critical Values	As growth is detected and identified the information is made available to the health care provider.
Lab Process Notes	Throat swab for GC investigation required to order "Neisseria gonorrhoeae culture". Throat swab for Diphtheria investigation required to order "Diphtheria culture".
Storage and Transport	Specimen should be transported to the laboratory after collection in biohazard bag. Specimen should be stored at room temperature after receipt in the laboratory (In Microbiology rack).
Test Referred To	On site, BGH laboratory

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