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HelpTest Code LAB12024 Respiratory Culture with Gram Stain
Department
MICROBIOLOGY
Collection Requirements
Nasopharyngeal/nasal, sputum, lower respiratory tract secretions, bronch wash/lavage, or Tracheal Aspirate.
Primary Collection Container
Sterile Container
Alternate Collection Container
Gel Bottom Swab
Transport
Refrigerated
Preferred Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Stability
Sterile container:
Ambient: 1 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Reference Range
No Growth
Methodology
Culture
Performed
Sunday – Saturday
Reported
3-4 days
CPT Codes
87070; 87205; Identification and susceptability tests are billed separately from culture.
Unacceptable Conditions
Samples collected more than 24 hours.
Samples collected more than 1 hours not refrigerated
Additional Information
Gram stain is included with all cultures and is reported prior to culture results.
Respiratory samples are screened prior to culture to establish quality of sample. Poor quality samples are rejected for culture and recollect is suggested. Report will reflect these findings if indicated.
Source must be indicated on sample to ensure proper reporting.