Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep)
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory 401-222-5586
Streptococcus pyogenes invasive, (Group A Strep invasive)
Streptococcal Disease (Strep A (invasive))
Isolates are banked at the RISHL pending potential further testing to support epidemiological investigations.
Pure isolate (<48 hrs. old subculture) from invasive disease (normally sterile site) received on a slant of appropriate media secured with a screw cap.
Isolates on plated media are acceptable if plates are sealed with parafilm or other appropriate barrier film
CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf
Bacterial Isolate.
Write "S. pyogenes" under Comments/Other Test Requests
Specimens must be packaged & transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
Transport isolates at ambient temperature 15-30°C
The following rejection criteria will be used to ensure accurate specimen information and specimen condition for testing:
- Specimen received outside acceptable transport range
- Demographics different of specimen
- Two identifiers required on specimen / Unable to read identifiers on specimen
- Expired/ incorrect collection kit
- Insufficient quantity
- Urine cup received
- No specimen received
- Specimen leaked in transit
- Test not evaluated in adolescents < 14
- No swab received
- Specimen too old
Providers must report patient information on Streptococcal Disease (Group A (invasive)) within 4 days using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
Isolates are confirmed and banked in the event further testing is epidemiologically indicated.
Containers specifically labeled for transport of specimens and isolates to the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory are available in all Microbiology Laboratories and Laboratory Send-out Departments.