| Method |
Darkfield microscopy |
|---|
| CPT Code |
87166 |
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| Preferred Specimen |
Serous fluid from lesion prior to antimicrobial therapy |
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| Other Acceptable Specimens |
None |
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| Specimen Container |
Clear exudates in syringe (no needles accepted) or expressed in sterile tube with one or two drops of sterile saline. |
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| Specimen Identification |
Label with patient’s first and last name, DOB and date/time of collection. |
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| Special Instructions |
- Notify Laboratory of darkfield request ASAP
- Indicate specimen source on requisition slip.
- Include any pertinent patient medical history
- Indicate suspected diagnosis
|
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| Shipping Requirements |
Store and ship at room temperature immediately DO NOT refrigerate |
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| Sample Rejection Criteria |
- Inappropriate specimen transport
- Specimen greater than one hour old
|
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| Turn-around-time |
Same day |
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