Additional Specimen Instructions

Eswabs are not acceptable for the Group A Strep antigen test (if recieved LAB 5064 could be performed, Group A Strep by PCR).

A.  Acceptable swabs are rayon tipped; they may be dry or contain Stuart’s or Amies medium.  Do not use swabs with cotton tips, wooden shafts or calcium alginate swabs. Do not use a collection system that contains charcoal.

B.  Use a tongue blade and good light source to ensure good visualization.

C.  Reach behind the uvula and swab:

1. Both tonsillar fauces
2. The postrior pharynx
3. Any ulceration, exudate, lesion, or area of inflammation.

Current guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the IDSA recommend following up NEGATIVE point-of-care Group A Streptococcus rapid antigen tests in pediatric patients with more sensitive confirmatory testing such as nucleic acid amplification or culture.

Group A Streptococcus by PCR (LAB5064, PCR testing requires an Eswab)