A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Culture, Aerobic, Catheter Tip

Message
  • Intravenous Catheter Tip specimens Only.
  • DO NOT SUBMIT Foley/Urinary Catheters, Abdominal Drainage tips, or indwelling devices.
  • Only accepted from Inova hospital patients


Test Code
CXCT


Alias/See Also
Epic: LAB2255


Includes

Bacterial Culture Of IV Catheter Tip. Due to the small amount of material submitted, IV Catheter Tips are not acceptable for Anaerobic, Fungal, or AFB culture. Alert the laboratory if a Rule Out of Malassezia is necessary.




Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Cath tip (intravenous catheter tip)
Collection Container: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection




Instructions
  1. Clean the skin following standard protocols.
  2. Using aseptic technique, hold the exposed end of the catheter and follow standard protocols to remove the catheter from the patient with a sterile instrument (avoid contact with exposed skin).
  3. Using sterile scissors, cut the distal 2-3 inches of the catheter and place it into a sterile container.


Specimen Stability
Must be received ASAP after collection.


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Rejection will occur for the following reasons: improperly labeled specimen, specimen not submitted in appropriate transport container, Foley catheter tips submitted.


Methodology
Semiquantitative culture


Setup Schedule
Daily


Report Available

Final negative report will be issued after 3-4 days




Limitations

Growth of some microorganisms may be inhibited by antiseptic or antibiotic impregnated catheters.




Reference Range
Negative for Growth


Clinical Significance
The laboratory uses a semiquantitative method for culture. Literature suggests that significant colony counts are ? 15 CFU and counts below 15 CFU may represent contamination. Please alert the laboratory if it is necessary to hold cultures for extended incubation for pathogens such as Propionibacterium acnes or if Malassezia furfur is suspected.


Performing Laboratory

Inova Laboratories

2832 Juniper Street

Fairfax, VA 22031




Last Updated: May 11, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, May 11, 2023


The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.