Culture, Ear

Data	Value
Method	Culture
CPT Code	87070
Test Scope	Isolation and identification of pathogenic aerobic bacteria. Susceptibilities performed at an additional charge when appropriate. Anaerobic cultures are not appropriate from an upper respiratory tract sample.
Preferred Specimen	Aspirate or Swab
Other Acceptable Specimens	None
Required Specimen Volume	N/A
Minimum Specimen Volume	N/A
Specimen Container	Swab: Culture Collection Swab in Transport Media Aspirate: Sterile Container
Specimen Identification	Label transport tube or container with patient’s first name, last name and DOB include date and time of collection.
Special Instructions	Indicate specific specimen source on requisition slip. Include any pertinent patient medical history such as chronic otitis or not responding to therapy.
Shipping Requirements	Store and ship at room temperature. Transport to lab as soon as possible.
Sample Rejection Criteria	Inappropriate specimen transport Expired transport medium Leaking transport container Mislabeled specimen Unlabeled specimen Specimen > 72 hours old
Turn-around-time	48-72 hours