Culture, Respiratory - Lower

Culture, Respiratory - Lower
Data	Value
Method	Culture and Gram Stain
CPT Code	87070, 87205
Test Scope	Isolation and identification of pathogenic aerobic bacteria. Susceptibilities performed at an additional charge when appropriate. Anaerobic cultures are not appropriate from a lower respiratory tract sample.
Preferred Specimen	5-10 mls Sputum
Other Acceptable Specimens	Tracheal aspirate or Bronchial Wash or 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	48-72 hours