| Method |
Culture |
| CPT Code |
87081 |
| Test Scope |
Isolation and identification of pathogenic aerobic bacteria. |
| Preferred Specimen |
5-10 mls Sputum |
| Other Acceptable Specimens |
- Tracheal aspirate
- Bronchial Wash
- Bronchial Lavage
|
| Required Specimen Volume |
>5 mls sputum, aspirate or wash |
| Minimum Specimen Volume |
>2 mls sputum, aspirate or wash |
| Specimen Container |
Sterile container, screw-capped |
| Specimen Identification |
Label container with patient's first name, last name and DOB include date and time of collection. |
| Special Instructions |
- First morning sputum is recommended
- Indicate specimen source on requisition.
- Include clinical diagnosis or relevant patient history on requisition
|
| Shipping Requirements |
Store and ship at refrigerated temperature 2-8° C. Transport to lab as soon as possible. |
| Sample Rejection Criteria |
- Inappropriate specimen transport
- Inadequate sputum sample (not enough neutrophils present and/or too many squamous cells present which is indicative of saliva).
- Sample > 72 hours old
- Mislabeled sample
- Unlabeled sample
|
| Turn-around-time |
48 hours to 2 weeks |