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Epic Test Code LAB900 Sputum/ Respiratory Culture

Performing Location(s)

BMC

Synonyms

Sputum Culture

Specimen Type

Sputum, Leuken’s trap, Induced Sputum, Bronchial wash, bronchial lavage, bronchial brush, Transtracheal Biopsy

 

 

Preferred Container

Sterile Container

Volume Required

5 mL

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Transportation Needs

Refrigerate

Storage Requirements

Refrigerate

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen

Gram stain evaluation showing > 25 epithelial cells/hpf on a “deep cough” specimen

Gram stain evaluation showing < 10 PMN’s/hpf

Specimen collection in sputum collection container Saccomanno’s fixative (2% Carbowaxâ solution)

Reference Values

Population Units Reference Range
All populations none Normal Flora

 

Reflex Testing

Organism identification and susceptibility studies are performed as appropriate, according to established protocols that have been approved by the Clinical Laboratory Director. Call Microbiology (547-3707) for details. There may be additional charges for these identification and susceptibility procedures.

 

Algorithm used to determine testing:

Upon receipt of a specimen for Sputum Culture, a gram stain is performed:

If the Gram Stain show > 25 epithelial cells or < 10 PMN’s per hpf no further testing will be performed. CPT 87205 is billed

 

If the Gram Stain shows < 25 epithelial cells and > 10 PMN’s per hpf, the culture is performed. CPT’s 87205 AND 87070 will be billed

 

Reflex Testing Data

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Gram Stain-Yes

Includes

Gram stain and Culture for pathogen

Additional Information

Contraindications:

Current or recent antimicrobial therapy may adversely effect the recovery of certain pathogenic organisms.

 

Additional Information:

Proper collection is imperative to provide reliable culture results. First morning deep cough (avoid saliva), or respiratory therapy induced, preferred.

Leuken’s trap collection also acceptable

Bronch wash, bronch lavage, bronch brush specimens also processed

Transtracheal Biopsy

Induced Sputum

 

See also: Sputum Collection Procedure

Methodology

Aerobic Culture

CPT Code

87070, 87205 (See reflex testing information)

Last Updated

8-Feb-18