Group A Streptococci (GAS) – Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE)

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested Required Requisition(s) Specimen Type Minimum Volume Collection Kit

GAS PFGE typing1,2

Pure bacterial culture of pathogen4 (GAS) in appropriate agar

N/A

Submission and Collection Notes

1

GAS PFGE typing is performed for outbreak investigations only.

2

Molecular typing for other special circumstances must be approved by a PHO laboratory microbiologist; contact PHO laboratory customer service at 416-235-6556 or 1-877-604-4567.

3

Include the outbreak number and index case if applicable on the requisition.

4

Include on the requisition the specimen type from which the pathogen is isolated.

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

The GAS PFGE typing is performed Monday to Friday.

Turnaround time is up to 11 days from receipt by the PHO laboratory.

Test Methods

All GAS submissions are confirmed as such prior to PFGE typing.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

contact lab

Contact Laboratory Customer Service

Laboratory Services

customerservicecentre@oahpp.ca

Updated 25 Sep 2019