Synonym(s):
|
Beta
strep, GBS, β, Group A, GAS
|
Requisition Form
|
G-2B
|
Test Description
|
Identification
of beta (β) hemolytic Streptococcus
spp.
|
Pre-Approval Needed
|
N/A
|
Supplemental Information Required
|
N/A
|
Supplemental Form(s)
|
N/A
|
Performed on Specimens from (sources)
|
Human
|
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing |
Pure
isolate
|
Minimum Volume/Size Required
|
At least
one viable colony
|
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping
|
Room
temperature or refrigerated
|
Transport Medium
|
Any
medium that supports growth
|
Specimen Labeling
|
-
Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
- Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
|
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
|
- Ship according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49
- Ship specimens overnight Monday-Thursday to avoid weekend deliveries.
|
Method
|
MALDI-TOF (mass spectrometry), Bacterial culture
|
Turn-around Time
|
3-21 days
|
Interferences/Limitations
|
- 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.
|
Common Causes for Rejection
|
- 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
|
Additional Information
|
Additional subtyping such as emm or T-typing is NOT performed in this laboratory.
|