Group A Streptococci (GAS) – Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE)
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
GAS PFGE typing is performed for outbreak investigations only.
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.
Include the outbreak number and index case if applicable on the requisition.
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.
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.
All GAS submissions are confirmed as such prior to PFGE typing.
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