Culture, Eye

Data	Value
Method	Culture
CPT Code	87070
Test Scope	Isolation and identification of pathogenic aerobic bacteria. Susceptibilities performed at an additional charge when appropriate.
Preferred Specimen	Swab, Aspirate or Tissue
Other Acceptable Specimens	None
Specimen Container	Swab: Culture collection swab Aspirate: Sterile Container Tissue: 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 site on requisition slip. (Specify lid margin sample, conjunctival sample, corneal sample, aqueous or vitreous sample.) Specify left or right eye. Disinfect area around wound or mucous membranes to remove resident normal flora.
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