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Synonym(s):
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Beta
strep, GBS, β, Group A, GAS
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Requisition Form
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G-2B
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Test Description
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Identification
of beta (β) hemolytic Streptococcus
spp.
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Pre-Approval Needed
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N/A
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Supplemental Information Required
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N/A
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Supplemental Form(s)
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N/A
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Performed on Specimens from (sources)
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Human
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Sample/Specimen Type for Testing |
Pure
isolate
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Minimum Volume/Size Required
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At least
one viable colony
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Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping
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Room
temperature or refrigerated
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Transport Medium
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Any
medium that supports growth
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Specimen Labeling
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-
Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
- Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
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Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
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- Ship according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49
- Ship specimens overnight Monday-Thursday to avoid weekend deliveries.
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Method
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MALDI-TOF (mass spectrometry), Bacterial culture
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Turn-around Time
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3-21 days
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Interferences/Limitations
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- Can only be used to identify Group A and Group B Streptococcus spp. All other Streptococcus sp. will be identified by another method.
- Material must be viable. Improper storage or shipping temperatures limit organism recovery.
- In the event of an outbreak, the procedure may be modified to screen for an additional set of organisms.
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| Common Causes for Rejection
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- Insufficient quantity
- Unacceptable specimen type or source
- Improper shipping conditions
- Expired media or collection container
- Discrepancies between specimen label and submission form
- Incomplete or missing submission form
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Additional Information
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Additional subtyping such as emm or T-typing is NOT performed in this laboratory.
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